Smoking & weight gain.

When I stopped smoking about six years ago I knew that my metabolism would slow down so I deliberately ate slightly less than I used to do... In spite of this I gained 12lbs. I've never managed to shake it off in spite of eating healthy and getting plenty of exercise (swimming & walking)

Do we have any ex smokers on here who didn't gain weight - or who did gain weight and managed to lose it?

Re: Smoking & weight gain.

Carol if you are 12lbs overweight I hate to think how many pounds I should lose !!!!!

Re: Smoking & weight gain.

When I stopped smoking I also put on about 12lbs which stayed there. I console myself with the fact that the exchange of stopping smoking for 12lbs in weight was a good exchange so why worry.

Re: Smoking & weight gain.

I stopped smoking 13 years ago and, like you, piled on the pounds despite a controlled diet and exercise .....

Re: Smoking & weight gain.

I stopped smoking about 30 years ago and didn't gain weight. Perhaps it's something to do with what age a person stops smoking. If giving it up at a later age, perhaps that's when a person might naturally gain weight anyway.

Re: Smoking & weight gain.

That's a good point Mart, I know lots of people who have giving up the smokes in their 50's and 60's and while they say they feel healthier they sure have piled on the pounds, not that I'd mention it to them but surely they must know themselves.

Re: Smoking & weight gain.

You get fat, or fatter, by eating more than your body needs so in this case I should think instead of smoking a food replacement was used instead. Sweets maybe? Also smoking causes an increase in metabolism apparently so between the 2 weight gain looks like the usual outcome.

Stop smoking - don't eat between meals and do light exercise - sorted.

Re: Smoking & weight gain.

Just ask yourself .... Do you feel better and good about yourself for quitting smoking?

If it's yes, forget about a bit of extra weight. It doesn't matter.

Re: Smoking & weight gain.

I don't eat between meals and haven't since I was 42 when my waist measurement went up to 32" .....

I walk up to 25 miles a week, over rough terrain and at a pace which brings me out in a sweat, whatever the weather .....

Of course, I could "fast" for a month, but such extremes are not in my nature .....

Re: Smoking & weight gain.

Off topic but just want to say to Omagh that I've just had a 3 night break in Southport and went on the bus to Preston ... my first visit and enjoyed it