Quitting Smoking

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Many people believe that quitting smoking causes weight gain. Does this assumption actually correspond to medical reality? Here is an explanation given by health experts related to this issue.

How quitting smoking impacts weight

Many people who say that they want to quit smoking will make us think that we should find another way to avoid it. Unfortunately, this will make us more interested in snacking, which in turn will cause weight gain.

In addition, experts from Kyoto Medical Center conducted a study to find out if quitting smoking can lead to weight gain. The result is that this idea is correct. Quitting smoking tends to gain weight. The likelihood of gaining weight after quitting smoking increases with previous levels of nicotine addiction.

In this study, 186 volunteers aged an average of 60 years smoked up to one pack per day. They quit smoking three months after the study and eventually gained an average weight of 1.1 kg.

Why can you gain weight after quitting smoking?

The researchers state that the effects of this weight gain will only last about three years after people who smoke stop smoking. After that, they will not gain any more weight, and their decision to quit smoking will have a positive impact on their health.

Increased appetite, a significant decrease in the metabolic system, a tendency to engage in less physical activity, and increased activity of lipoprotein lipase, a type of hormone responsible for the distribution of fat in the body, are all factors that cause these former smokers to gain weight.

Therefore, it is highly recommended for those who quit smoking to be more diligent in exercising and changing their diet to be healthier to prevent the effects of weight gain.

Various Additional Health Benefits of Quitting Smoking

Besides being able to make our bodies healthier, health experts say that quitting smoking has many health benefits.

Here are some of the benefits.

1. Breathing will feel more relieved

The respiratory and lungs are the parts of the body that directly benefit from quitting smoking. Breathing causes a sense of relief and comfort for many former direct smokers. Lung capacity will increase by ten percent after quitting smoking for nine months!

The respiratory tract will become healthier if former smokers are also diligent in exercising.

2. Have more energy

Blood circulation will improve within two to twelve weeks after quitting smoking. This will lead to an increased supply of oxygen and food nutrients to tissues, organs, and other parts of the body. In addition, we will feel much more energized and eager to do many things.

3. Lowers stress

The nicotine content in cigarettes can cause stress, both physical and mental. Quitting smoking will result in decreased stress and improved mental health.

4. Skin looks healthier

Quitting smoking will prevent premature aging problems such as wrinkles and dull skin. In addition, the skin will look healthier and fresher, increasing self-confidence.

5. Make a long life

A health expert says that quitting smoking at the age of thirty can increase life expectancy by ten years. Quitting smoking at the age of sixty can increase life expectancy by three years. This is because the risk of developing dangerous diseases such as heart disease or cancer decreases.