adrenaline action, blood glucose levels stay high. When nicotine is absent (after quitting), more of the glucose is available for use and this leads to weight gain. Had nicotine been there, this glucose would have been used up because of the higher metabolic rate (explained in the subsequent point).
Nicotine has a boosting effect on metabolism so, when you quit and there is an absence of nicotine, your metabolic rate drops and you burn a lesser number of calories than when you were smoking. This explains the increase in weight of ex-smokers who actually did not eat much. An effective exercise plan is the best way to prevent weight gain after quitting smoking.
Eating more after quitting smoking
A number of ex-smokers experience a change in their eating habits after quitting smoking. Some of them eat more often in an effort to satisfy their withdrawal cravings. They find nicotine withdrawal and hunger pangs very much alike.
Some ex-smokers might take to eating their favorite snacks to comfort themselves from the withdrawal symptoms, particularly if they are having a tough time managing them.
Many smokers take a cup of coffee and a few cigarettes as their breakfast.
When they quit smoking, however, they start eating a proper meal which might lead to them gaining weight.
Many ex-smokers find the taste of food better after they quit smoking so they eat more.
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