The Effects of Smoking on Eating Habits
Cigarette smoking is typically associated with appetite suppression, which, unfortunately, is one of the rationales behind the habit. Some people use cigarettes as a weight-loss tool, and long-term smokers who decide to quit are often faced with the prospect of weight gain. The effects of smoking on eating habits are based on both behavior and physiology. Usually, smokers weigh less than nonsmokers, but this is not always the case. For some people, smoking behavior is, instead, related to increased food intake and obesity.
Nicotine and Appetite
Nicotine has long been assumed to be behind tobacco’s effect on appetite, at least in the short term. Researchers in a study published in "Psychopharmacology" gave smokers and nonsmokers a dose of pure nicotine or a placebo. Everyone receiving the nicotine felt fuller and ate less during meals. Data published in the journal "Science" showed that nicotine does this by altering receptors in the hypothalamus that are involved in hunger and satiety. Other research indicates that, at the same time, nicotine cravings increase with meals. This may further reduce food intake if smokers stop eating sooner in order to have a cigarette.
Sometimes the Opposite Occurs
Not every smoker experiences appetite suppression. A review published in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" reported that although light smokers tend to eat and weigh less than nonsmokers, the opposite may be true for heavy smokers. The researchers found a correlation between heavy smoking and signs of metabolic syndrome, such as insulin resistance and abdominal obesity. Additional research, such as that reported in an October 2013 article in "Translational Psychiatry," suggests that cravings for both food and cigarettes may have the same metabolic basis, especially for those already at risk for obesity.
Quitting and Weight Gain
Cigarette smoking is an addictive behavior that some people are reluctant to change because of concerns about weight gain. Quitting abruptly is often accompanied by compensatory behaviors, particularly overeating. Those who are inactive are even more likely to eat more and gain weight. Also, the appetite suppression experienced by many smokers is accompanied by a transient increase in metabolic rate, which returns to normal upon quitting. Finally, smoking has a dulling effect on taste and smell. Former smokers who experience improvements in these senses may simply enjoy eating more.
Weighing the Costs of Smoking
Science unequivocally affirms that smoking is one of the worst things you can do to your body and is more dangerous to your health than a few extra pounds. Smoking cigarettes for appetite control does not even work for everyone. In any case, it's unlikely to lead to long-term weight loss. According to a study in "Addictive Behavior," the average weight gain upon quitting was 11 pounds. Fortunately, rebound overeating and weight gain can be addressed by substituting good behaviors, such as exercise, for smoking.
- Translational Psychiatry: A Common Biological Basis of Obesity and Nicotine Addiction
- Psychopharmacology: Acute Effects of Nicotine on Hunger and Caloric Intake in Smokers and Non-Smokers
- Science: Nicotine Decreases Food Intake Through Activation of POMC Neurons
- Psychopharmacology: Effects of Nicotine on Hunger and Eating in Male and Female Smokers
- The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Consequences of Smoking for Body Weight, Body Fat Distribution, and Insulin Resistance
- Addictive Behavior: Factors Associated With Weight Changes in Successful Quitters Participating in a Smoking Cessation Program