Does smoking make you lose weight?
Tobacco is often perceived as an appetite suppressant that causes weight loss… Conversely, quitting smoking is generally associated with weight gain! But in reality, what is the truth? Does smoking really make you lose weight? Reset Laser explains everything!
Losing weight with smoking: true or false?
Smoking burns calories
It’s undeniable: nicotine, the main component of cigarettes, has a stimulating effect on metabolism. It slightly increases the number of calories burned at rest by accelerating certain bodily functions, depending on your daily cigarette consumption. In other words, a smoker burns more calories than a non-smoker.
Smoking suppresses appetite
Generally speaking, smoking curbs appetite. Indeed, nicotine acts on the central nervous system and increases the release of certain hormones that can reduce the desire to eat. It also raises the blood sugar level. This increase also reduces the feeling of hunger.
Why is smoking not a solution for weight loss?
Smoking, a miracle diet? Think again! It is far from being a healthy solution for losing weight.
Limited weight loss
First of all, even though smoking increases metabolism, the number of calories burned is too limited to have a significant impact on the smoker’s weight. Generally, the weight loss is around 2 to 4 kg.
Moreover, this acceleration of metabolism comes at the expense of health, as smoking increases the risk of serious diseases such as lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases. These few lost kilos are clearly not worth it!
Less weight, but more fat!
If smoking lowers the number on the scale, it doesn’t do the same for your fat. Quite the opposite! According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Copenhagen, smokers actually have more visceral fat than non-smokers. This fat, which accumulates around the organs in the abdominal cavity, is particularly dangerous. It is known to increase the risk of diseases such as heart diseases, diabetes, or even strokes.
Nutritional imbalances
While smoking suppresses appetite, it also leads to nutritional imbalances. Indeed, smokers may compensate for the stress related to their addiction by consuming excessive amounts of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods.
Moreover, tobacco alters the perception of taste. A smoker tends to lean towards fattier, sweeter, and saltier foods. This unbalanced diet obviously has a negative impact on the general lifestyle and health of the smoker: nutritional deficiencies or other diseases like diabetes, hypertension, etc.
Quitting smoking: inevitable weight gain?
If smoking indeed makes you lose weight, does quitting smoking necessarily make you gain weight? This is one of the fears of smokers who wish to quit! In reality, this is not always the case!
When you quit smoking, the body gradually returns to its normal functioning. Without nicotine in the body, hunger reappears and the metabolism slows down. This period may lead to weight gain, but it corresponds to the kilos you would naturally have without smoking! Besides, the smoker in the process of quitting might be tempted to eat more to compensate for the lack of nicotine. This is the trap to avoid!
Losing weight and quitting smoking: is it possible?
It is entirely possible to quit smoking without gaining extra kilos or regaining those lost during your smoking period. You can even lose some! And to achieve this, there’s no secret: a healthy lifestyle is key!
Adopt a balanced diet
After quitting smoking, change your eating habits. Eating balanced meals will allow your body to regain a healthy rhythm. Choose low-calorie foods. Favor fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to avoid snacking urges and stabilize your weight.
Exercise regularly
Physical activity is essential for good weight management during and after quitting smoking. Exercise helps burn calories and thus compensates for those you lost with smoking. It also helps combat stress related to quitting smoking and diverts you from snacking that compensates for the lack.
A simple daily walk, combined with cardiovascular or strength training exercises, will help limit weight gain and even lose weight if you weren’t physically active before!
Get support
If you have concerns about weight gain when quitting smoking, consult a health professional. A nutritionist or a specialized coach can assist you in developing a personalized and healthy plan. Psychological support, or even a support group, can also help you stay motivated in this endeavor!
The Reset Laser method: quit smoking and keep your figure
Do you want to quit smoking without gaining weight? The Reset Laser method, an anti-smoking cessation method, is an effective and natural way to quit smoking without gaining a gram!
Based on laser auriculotherapy, the Reset Laser method involves stimulating points on the ear with a medical laser to break the tobacco addiction. The sensation of craving disappears immediately, and you do not feel the urge to compensate with food.
Make an appointment at a Reset Laser center
Quit smoking with Reset Laser! Find the nearest anti-smoking center and make an appointment for your laser cessation session. Don’t wait any longer to say no to nicotine.
Why Choose RESET Laser Institute
The best method to quit smoking
Specialist
Our therapists are all addiction experts and specialists in laser auriculotherapy cessation.
Effectiveness
Our success rate after one session is over 86%.
Painless
Non-invasive and painless, our therapy is accessible to everyone.
No Stress
You free yourself from addictions and quit smoking without weight gain, stress, or compensation.
Personalized Support
Since each patient is different, we offer personalized support after the session.
1-Year Guarantee
We guarantee our therapy for 1 year in case of relapse.