For most people the thought of having to quit smoking is a challenge enough in it self without having to fear the thought of gaining a few pounds in the process. Often this is enough to convince ourselves that the act of smoking is a smaller evil compared to gaining weight and looking fat. In the light of day the two comparisons obviously aren't even close in comparison considering the devastating health effects that are caused by every cigarette that you smoke compared to gaining a few pounds.

Still the thought of gaining weight after you quit smoking is a serious enough of a concern that nearly 80% of smokers actually do put on weight after they quit smoking. So the concern is not without basis but the statistics suggest that the average person who quits smoking will gain on average a few pounds, hardly a life changing event considering the average persons poor diet could easily do the same.

The reason that we do put on weight after you quit smoking seems to stem from the two main causes. The effects of nicotine on the body and the fact that we tend to replace one bad habit with another bad habit which generally is over eating.

What nicotine does in smokers is it actually speeds up your bodies metabolism. Often times you will find smokers weighing a little less than they non-smoking counterparts. When you quit smoking and therefore reduce the amount of nicotine and its effects on the body your metabolism is no longer being stimulated to work as hard on your body. This effect can often be explained by some smokers who quit and gain weight without any noticeable increase in their diet or food consumption.

The other major factor you tend to put on weight after you quit smoking is obviously the change in diet after someone quits smoking. Many smokers will experience an increase in hunger after they have quit smoking. Whilst this is a normal experience after the quit smoking process researchers have suggested that things will return to normal shortly after so there is no need to be alarmed.

So if you are wanting to quit smoking and are concerned at the adverse effect it will have on your weight here a few simple tips to follow with your quit smoking program to keep you looking slim and fit.

Start or continue an exercise routine during your quit smoking program. Not only is exercise good for you in the first place and a good distraction to your withdrawal of cigarettes it also serves to burn kilojoules which will help keep those extra pounds of.

Be realistic with yourself. Putting on a few pounds isn't the end of the world. You have just removed one of the greatest evils of your life, so enjoy your new found lifestyle change.