Smoking and being overweight or obese are bad for your health and lead to major problems if not addressed. Even people at a healthy weight use the fear of weight gain as an excuse to not stop smoking. Since nicotine acts as an appetite suppressant, those who stop smoking generally gain a few pounds when they quit and their bodies are returned to the weight they would be at if they had not been smoking. Fear of weight gain is not a solid reason to continue to smoke, however. “Smoking is far more dangerous to your health than is extra weight,” according to smokefree.gov. It compares smoking a pack of cigarettes to carrying an extra 90 pounds in terms of how stressful it is on your heart.
Smoking and Obesity Are Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease
According to the CDC, both smoking and obesity are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. While that is serious, it can be corrected. You can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease if you quit smoking and lose weight. Better yet, you can stop smoking and lose weight at the same time using behavior modification.
Study Suggests Behavioral Changes Help You Quick Smoking and Lose Weight
According to a study published in Addiction journal that was led by author Bonnie Spring, women who received treatment for smoking and weight loss were 29% more likely to stop smoking short-term and 23% more likely long-term. The study suggests that behavioral changes can help you quit smoking and lose weight at the same time. Spring is a professor of preventative medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine who analyzed results from10 studies on 2,333 female smokers. She found that that women could stop smoking and control their weight if both problems were addressed.
How to Quit Smoking While Losing Weight
Similar behavioral changes are necessary for both weight loss and smoking cessation, including the following:
- Oral gratification is one concern. Smokers and obese people are used to the hand-to-mouth movement. The behavior needs to be replaced to successfully quit. Start by making a list of other activities you can do when you feel stressed out. Chew gum, take a walk, write an email. Do whatever works to take your mind off of smoking and eating.
- Eating smart is another way to ease the need to smoke and reduce the food cravings. Aim for small, well-balanced meals to avoid getting hungry. Eat a high fiber diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables. Have healthy snack on hand and limit sweets.
- Exercise is the best way to quit smoking and lose weight because it raises your metabolism, burns calories, distracts you from smoking and eating and makes you feel great.
Quitting smoking and losing weight can improve your health and renew your energy. You don't have to wait to do one or the other, though. Simple behavioral changes can help you stop smoking and lose weight at the same time. Use diet and exercise to curb cravings and regain your health.
Source:
Paul, Marla. Medical News Today. "Women Can Quit smoking and Control Weight Gain." 21 Nov 2009
Tracy Rose - Tracy Rose is a powerflifter who holds the state record in deadlifting and has had success in her own weight loss journey.
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