Switch to Vaping When Quitting Smoking if Weight Gain is a Worry
29th Mar 2018
Smokers say many things about giving up smoking, but one of those is that people get anxious about gaining weight when quitting smoking, and we’ll look at why shortly.
There is a shining light on this situation, however. Studies show that those who switch to vaping are less likely to struggle with the classic weight gain.
Why Give Up?
Weight gain concerns aside, many significant reasons exist for quitting smoking or switching to vaping.
From a health perspective, smoking has been proven beyond any doubt to be a habit that may be seriously harmful to your health. The World Health Organisation has classified many of the chemicals found in tobacco cigarettes as toxic and smoking them as likely to cause cancer.
Smoking-related illnesses cause the NHS billions of pounds, and the cost of premature death is hard to quantify. There is no good reason to continue smoking when there are alternatives available, especially when to continue smoking is so very clearly harming your health.
Weight Gain: What to Expect
Gaining weight after giving up smoking, especially for those who smoked regularly, is a thing and not something smokers say to justify their decision to continue smoking. The NHS estimate that ex-smokers may gain approximately eleven pounds in the year following giving up. Not all ex-smokers experience this.
There are many reasons that ex-smokers may gain weight after giving up smoking. For one, many find tobacco cigarettes offer something of an appetite suppressant. In contrast, others blame boredom and replacing the hand-to-mouth action of smoking with snacking/eating.
There is Another Way
A recent study has shown that those switching to vaping instead of quitting smoking altogether (more complicated than it might sound!) are much less likely to gain weight.
- 100/500 vapers said they gained some weight when giving up smoking.
- Whereas 400/500 said they didn’t, despite possibly expecting to.
Indeed, 20% of those surveyed reported weight loss after vaping. A happy side effect of vaping for some, though not in any way guaranteed or something the vaping community would advertise as a benefit.
The reduction in weight gain post-smoking for vapers is something to consider, especially if weight gain holds you back from quitting smoking.
Another way is to look at other smoking alternatives. It would help if you tried living a healthier lifestyle, which can be achieved alongside vaping, unlike tobacco smoking.
Here are some things you can try to better your overall health at the same time:
Be More Active
It is crucial to stay active even if losing weight isn’t your main aim. But, If you don’t feel like climbing into lycra or hitting the gym, find your way to move. There are so many free workout videos online or working out from home.
Increase your steps, and go to a fitness class; give it a try. Why not walk to work instead of using the car or take the stairs instead of the lift? You can do many things to increase your daily activity and get your blood pumping!
Eat Your Way Healthy
Eating more healthily is about making smart swaps. So, exchange alcohol for no alcohol or less alcohol. Ditch tobacco cigarettes for e-cigarettes and flavoured e-liquids, and choose smaller portions over larger ones.
Lots of little changes can make a big difference, and when you swap junk food for real food, you will feel better because you are eating cleaner and getting all the nutrients you need.
Choose nourishment and enjoyment without choosing hundreds of extra calories and no vitamins and minerals.
Healthy Mind
It is all very well concentrating on the body, but you must remember that your mind, mental health, and wellness are also essential.
Work to identify things that stress you, make time for you, and seek help if needed. If you had a broken bone, you would want to fix it, right? So it would be best to balance your mental and physical health to live healthier.
Implementing some of these practices every day and swapping tobacco for a vape kit. You will start to see the difference, and weight gain won’t be an issue.
Why am I So Hungry After Quitting Smoking?
Giving up smoking is a noble choice that has many positive health effects. However, many people find that their appetite or hunger increases after quitting smoking. It’s vital to comprehend these modifications to control your cravings and maintain a healthy lifestyle. We’ll examine the causes of increased appetite after quitting smoking and consider methods for keeping a healthy diet throughout this adjustment phase.
Physiological Constraints
When someone stops smoking, their body goes through various changes. The addictive cigarette chemical nicotine interferes with the brain's mechanism for controlling appetite. Hunger cravings can be lessened by suppressing appetite. The body's metabolism returns to normal after quitting smoking, increasing the metabolic rate. More calories are burned due to this increased metabolism, which increases hunger.
Psychological Variables
In addition to physiological adjustments, psychological elements also contribute to an increase in appetite after quitting smoking. Smoking frequently serves as an alternative to oral fulfilment or stress-reduction technique. When people give up smoking, they might look for other ways to satisfy their desires, such as eating more food. Additionally, snacking might take the role of the usual hand-to-mouth action associated with smoking, increasing calorie consumption.
Even though people frequently experience greater hunger after quitting smoking, managing one's appetite can be made easier by being aware of the underlying causes. One can retain a healthy lifestyle from smoking to leading a smoke-free life. Remember, you may effectively manage your appetite and your addiction to smoking with time, effort, and good practice.
How Do I Not Gain Weight When I Quit Smoking?
Giving up smoking is a huge accomplishment that has various positive effects on one's health. However, many people are concerned about gaining weight if they stop smoking. Some ex-smokers frequently experience an increase in appetite and a shift in metabolism, which causes them to gain weight. Fortunately, there are doable actions you may do to manage your weight and keep up a healthy lifestyle successfully.
Make a Balanced Diet Plan
After quitting smoking, regulating your weight requires a balanced diet. Concentrate on nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. These meals keep you fuller for extended periods while providing vital vitamins, minerals, and fibre. To prevent overheating, limit your sugary or high-calorie foods intake and opt for smaller, more frequent meals.
Keep Hydrated.
Water consumption is crucial for maintaining general health and controlling weight. Drinking plenty of water can help control cravings and lower the likelihood of overeating. Drink at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water daily, and choose water over sweetened beverages or juices.
Participate in Regular Exercise
While trying to stop, exercise improves mood, curbs cravings, and helps maintain weight. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and twice-weekly strength training sessions. Pick enjoyable hobbies like swimming, dancing, cycling, or brisk walking. Regularly exercising will boost metabolism, burn calories, and enhance fitness.
Effective Stress Management
Stress is a relapse and weight gain trigger. Develop new strategies to handle stress. Take part in relaxing hobbies or stress-relieving activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing. Ask friends, family, or support groups for assistance to reduce stress and stop emotional eating.
Watch the Portion Sizes.
Managing your weight can be significantly improved by paying attention to portion sizes. To help you visually regulate your quantities, use smaller dishes and bowls. Savour each bite, eat carefully and pay attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues as you practise mindful eating. This strategy can help you avoid overeating and keep your weight in check.
Consult a Professional
Consider getting expert assistance if you're worried about weight gain or are having trouble controlling your weight after stopping smoking. A licenced dietitian or healthcare professional can offer individualised guidance and assistance catering to your needs and situation.
What Happens to Your Body When You Switch From Smoking to Vaping?
Comparing vaping with smoking might result in major physiological changes in your body that may positively affect your health. Let's go into the specifics of the changes you can encounter when you switch.
The most noticeable modification is better respiratory function. Smoking tobacco exposes your lungs to toxic chemicals and substances, causing tar to build up and eventually limiting lung capacity. When you switch to vaping, you do away with combustion and the dangerous byproducts of smoking. This decrease in exposure to dangerous compounds may result in better lung health, less coughing, and simpler breathing.
You might also observe a considerable improvement in your cardiovascular health. Because smoking has a deleterious effect on blood vessels and the cardiovascular system, it raises the risk of heart disease and stroke. Contrarily, it has been discovered that vaping presents less of a risk in this area. Studies have shown that switching from smoking to vaping can significantly lower associated health risks. At the same time, additional research is needed to properly understand the long-term implications of vaping on cardiovascular health.
Your senses of taste and smell may also change if you switch to vaping. Smoking might be challenging to completely experience smells and fragrances because smoking can impair these senses. Your sense of taste and smell gets better when you start vaping. This may increase how much you like your meals and drinks, ultimately improving your whole sensory experience.
It's vital to understand that while transitioning from smoking to vaping may have health benefits, there are hazards involved. The addictive chemical nicotine is frequently included in vaping equipment. Controlling nicotine intake and progressively lowering its dependence is essential for long-term health advantages.
Should I Stop Vaping if I Want to Lose Weight?
People frequently investigate different lifestyle adjustments to meet their desired objectives when it comes to weight loss. Vaping may be advantageous or detrimental when trying to lose extra weight. Although there are different points of view on this issue, it's crucial to consider several factors before making a choice.
Vaping for weight loss, proponents contend that it can take the place of high-calorie snacks and sugary beverages. People can satisfy their appetites instead of consuming too many calories by indulging in flavour-infused e-liquids. Additionally, vaping can satisfy the mouth, which lessens the need for harmful snacking or binge eating.
A thorough strategy is needed to lose weight healthily and sustainably. Concentrating on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and beneficial lifestyle improvements is crucial. Instead of only depending on vaping as a weight management approach, people should prioritise forming healthy behaviours that improve overall well-being.
Ultimately, the decision to keep vaping or stop should be based on individual health objectives, preferences, and evaluation of the dangers. When deciding to support a person's weight loss goals and general health, consulting with healthcare specialists can be a great help.
Vaping and Weight Loss
People have explored various options in their search for efficient weight loss strategies, and vaping is one of these options that has drawn attention. It has been suggested that vaping, which is inhaling and exhaling the vapour created by an electronic cigarette or other similar device, may help with weight management.
Can Vaping Help You Lose Weight?
Even though some supporters claim that vaping can help with weight loss efforts, it's crucial to approach the subject cautiously. Vaping indirectly influences appetite and weight management but does not immediately aid in weight loss. According to one theory, vaping could replace snacking or emotional eating and lower calorie consumption. Some people also assert that the flavours and scents associated with vaping can reduce cravings for foods high in calories.
The Benefits of Vaping for Losing Weight:
Hunger Suppression: Vaping has been associated with appetite suppression because inhaling and exhaling vapour might simulate the mouth experience of eating. Reduced calorie intake might help with weight loss efforts.
Substitution for Unhealthy Habits: Vaping may offer a healthier option for people who use overeating or snacking as a coping mechanism by refocusing their attention and decreasing their propensity for high-calorie items.
Sensory Stimulation: The range of flavours offered in vaping liquids can stimulate the senses and satisfy cravings for sweets or indulgent foods without the related calorie consumption.
The Drawbacks of Vaping for Losing Weight:
Lack of Scientific Evidence: Despite anecdotal accounts, few reliable scientific studies verify vaping's effectiveness for losing weight. More study is required to prove a connection between vaping and weight loss.
Health Hazards: Vaping has unique health hazards, including serious heart and lung problems. Before introducing vaping into any weight loss routine, it is essential to consider the overall health ramifications.
Nicotine Addiction: The highly addictive chemical nicotine is present in many vaping liquids. Nicotine-based e-cigarette use for weight loss has the potential to cause addiction and have negative long-term impacts on general health.
Although using vaping as a weight loss technique is fascinating, the available information is still scant and unconvincing. While some may find that vaping suppresses their appetite or reduces their snacking, it's important to balance any potential advantages against the recognised health dangers and nicotine's addictive tendency.
To choose the best and most evidence-based method for obtaining and maintaining a healthy weight, like any weight loss strategy, it is advisable to speak with a healthcare practitioner.
Why Does Vaping Result in Fewer Weight Gains
There are many reasons, and all point towards vaping being an excellent alternative to smoking.
The relaxation and stress-busting effects of smoking and having something to keep you away from the snacks are all things that smokers value, and vaping mirrors this.
You may enjoy a cleaner and more delightful alternative and be much less likely to struggle with weight gain.
Support for Giving Up Smoking
If you are considering quitting smoking, don’t be discouraged by weight gain concerns.
Gaining approximately 11 lbs in weight (this doesn’t happen to everyone) is nothing compared to the damage you do when you continue smoking.
Visit your local Stop Smoking clinics, look at nicotine replacement, and consider vaping an alternative.
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