does smoking effect weight loss

[Love2Lose]

HI everyone

Since the last time that i logged in I have fallen off the wagon and gained a few pounds and have picked up the nasty habit off smoking. I was wondering if smoking would effect my weight loss. I plan to quit smoking as well but I know it is something that is very difficult

[boonie stomper]

Re: does smoking effect weight loss

Smoking has an immediate as well as can have a long-term impact (depending on how much you smoke) on the amount of oxygen you get when you breathe. This means you will not be able to exercise as much, which could slow your weight loss. I'm sure someone else will come up with additional responses, though.

I learned years ago that a person with average lungs can eliminate the debris from an average cigarette in roughly 7 hours. That translates to build-up in the lungs if you have more than 4 cigs/day on average, which block air exchange, and slowly steals from your life expectancy at the far end.

[Lyssie]

Re: does smoking effect weight loss

I exercised 30 min cardio, 1hr weights 5/7 days a week, while smoking half a pack to a pack a day. I must say, that since I've quit, it's harder to get my heart rate up - what was a really easy thing to do before... which I'm told is actually better for me :P Also, I have more cravings, just for food in general, not necessarily sweets, than I did before. I think that's because when I was hungry before, I would have a cigarette. Either way, I think quitting affects losing weight in the bad sense more than smoking does. THAT DOES NOT MEAN DON'T QUIT, it's just my opinion on smoking vs. weight loss. I, obviously, feel that quitting is better for your overall health, but like any addiction, is a pain in the (*#&$ to get over.

All that being said, perhaps Joy could give another view as someone who has smoked and not smoked on Atkins.

[sadie147]

Re: does smoking effect weight loss

6.5 yrs ago I was doing a different diet (weight watchers) and decided at the same time to quit smoking (pack a day smoker), i decided to take the breaks at work that I would normally have a smoke, and go for a walk, and at lunchtimes to the gym, I also chewed alot of gum and drank alot of water. I was very successful and lost 15 lbs, as well as quitting smoking. Fell off the wagon with the weight watchers (just wasn't the diet for me..) but I have never smoked since and I'm so glad I quit. Don't use your weight as an excuse not to quit smoking...I made a conscience decision not to replace cigarettes with food..and didn't.

As far as getting over the addiction..It was one of the hardest things I've ever done. I still to this day crave cigarettes, but have learned to live with that, and know that I'm so much better off health wise, I'll never smoke again.

It doesn't sound like you've been smoking very long? If that is the case, I'd recommend you quit now..while it's easier..the longer you smoke, the harder it will be. I found the actual habit was almost as difficult at the addiction.

Good luck!

[Bren]

Re: does smoking effect weight loss

taken from the FAQ's forum here on the board

The following message was posted by Michael who goes by "mapasone" on the board. Michael is 55 years old and joined our board in November of '03. He wanted to share this information with others since he was a "smoker" not long ago. Please read his very informative post and if you have thought about quitting in the past, after reading Michael's article, please think about it again. I'm sure he will be happy to receive PM's from members who may want to ask him questions. Thank you , Michael!

Michael writes: This answers a lot of questions I had about smoking while doing this WOL. Those stalls and sugar cravings are from the smoking and Atkins is the perfect way to live and kick the addiction of nicotine!

Light a cigarette and inhale. This takes 7 seconds. During this inhalation, nicotine enters the blood stream through the nasal membranes and rushes directly to the brain. This is a faster transfer method than direct intravenous injection. Once in the brain, nicotine causes large releases of Dopamine and Serotonin neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters cause that 'relaxed and powerful' feeling. But soon the brain cells become resistant to these neurotransmitters. The brain then requires even more nicotine to create the same effect. Smoking becomes addictive and self-perpetuating.

Seven seconds to fifteen minutes later, nicotine also enters the liver, which in turn releases sugar into the blood stream. This results in a physical uplift, not from the cigarette, but from the release of sugar into the blood stream. Combined with the high neurotransmitter levels, you feel confident and full of energy.

Due to the high sugar content in the blood, the pancreas will release insulin into the blood stream and blood sugar levels will drop lower than when you started to smoke. At the same time, neurotransmitter release also stops. This combination makes you feel fatigued, irritable, hungry and craving another cigarette! This same cycle occurs when you eat candy bars. This is why it is important to avoid sweets as much as possible. Sweets can trigger the desire to smoke.

Fifteen to twenty minutes after beginning to smoke, the nicotine stimulates the nervous system and causes the release of adrenaline into the body, producing increased heart rate and respiration along with feelings of tension. This tension begins just when blood sugar and neurotransmitter levels are "crashing".

Because of the tense feelings, and because of the lower blood sugar and neurotransmitter levels, you begin to desire another cigarette, which has the false illusion of helping you to relax, and thus the smoking cycle begins again!

The addictive effects of smoking and nicotine appear very depressing when the true reality of it is presented as it is in the above section. But it is also a reality that this progression is physically rewarding and pleasurable while it is happening. Because of the physical pleasures, most people find it difficult to overcome the immediate pleasures despite the well-known health risks involved in smoking. Studies have shown that most of the decisions we make are made by the subconscious mind. Since birth, our subconscious minds have been programmed to seek pleasure and avoid pain. This lifelong programming makes it very difficult for most people to delay an immediate gratification in favor of future health benefits.

The Biology of Nicotine Addiction:

The physical brain is composed of millions of cells called neurons. In some ways, neurons act like computers. They receive and process messages and then send new messages to other neurons. The messages are transmitted using chemicals called neurotransmitters. Depending on the neurotransmitter used (more than 50 are known so far) the receiving neuron "understands" a certain type of message.

One of the most potent neurotransmitter is called Dopamine. The neurochemical message Dopamine produces is one of "feeling good", confidence, relaxation and a general sense of heightened well-being. Cocaine, Heroin and NICOTINE stimulate the release of Dopamine. This Dopamine release causes the relaxing, pleasurable effects of smoking. However, it is a false, drug-induced sense of relaxation and the body adjusts to these higher Dopamine levels.

After a while the brain's nerve cells become less sensitive to Dopamine. To prevent damage from the high Dopamine levels each nerve cell reduces the number of dopamine receptor areas it has. Fewer dopamine receptor areas means that higher Dopamine levels are required (more nicotine) to get the same pleasurable feelings from smoking. You smoke more and just to get the same feelings.

Once you stop smoking, Dopamine levels drop very quickly. Usually within 5-7days. But the brain's neurons need time to rehabilitate the Dopamine receptor areas from when the nicotine was over stimulating Dopamine production. Therefore, you not only may lose the sense of well being, relaxation and calm you experienced while smoking, you may actually become irritable, short tempered and lose concentration. Most importantly, your brain stimulates your body to get more nicotine so it can feel better again! You experience strong SMOKING URGES!

These urges combined with reduced brain functions may cause you to experience the dreaded withdrawal symptoms. Often accompanying the urge to smoke is an impulse to overeat. Sweets and sugars also stimulate Dopamine production and can sometimes function as "nicotine substitutes". They also cause weight increase (for some people as much as 30-50 lbs.) and physical problems of their own.

These symptoms are exclusively chemical in nature and reside in the physical part of the brain. The good news is that since they are chemically induced, they will gradually disappear as the neurons rehabilitate their Dopamine receptors. Over time, this rehabilitation process is complete. The brain is again sensitive to Dopamine and functions as it did before you started smoking. Smoking urges decrease in frequency and intensity. It becomes much easier to remain a non-smoker.

Realize EVEN ONE CIGARETTE WILL HALT THIS RECOVERY PROCESS COMPLETELY!

It will take several more weeks after that one cigarette for the neurons to again start rehabilitating their Dopamine receptor areas. During this time, the withdrawal symptoms will reoccur.

It is very important to resist the smoking urges that occur! This will make complete recovery possible in the shortest amount of time. I hope this information helps others as much as it did me! The Atkins diet is the best thing for those trying to quit smoking.


Overcoming Addictions and Atkins Low Carb Dieting (New!)

[Lyssie]

Re: does smoking effect weight loss

I couldn't read further than the first paragraph of Michael's post without wanting a cigarette..

[Brook]

Re: does smoking effect weight loss

It effects my weight loss/maintenance hugely.

When I smoke, I get fat.

I spend more time smoking and I start to avoid working out because I can't freakin' breathe.

It's SO stupid.

The slow down in the metabolism part when you quit doesn't bother me. I think for most of us, the impact in that department is relatively minimal. Who among us isn't battling a somewhat damaged metabolism from all the yo-yoing over the years anyway?!!

Must. Become. A. Non-Smoker. Again.

[Profitweb]

Re: does smoking effect weight loss

Okay, there is no doubt that smoking is TERRIBLE for you! You need to quit.

The patch helped me tremendously. It makes those cigarette cravings only last for 30 seconds at a time, instead of obsessing all day about having one. Also, the real trick for me was setting my quit date when I was out of town. I stopped smoking and started the patch when I was visiting my parents for Christmas. They have a non-smoking home and I kept pretty busy during vacation. It made it much easier to quit there. When I tried to quit at home I failed terribly. When you make your start date, don't smoke another cig!

Okay, I hope we can encourage you to quit. Please do! It really increases your chances of cancer. All types of cancer, not just lung!

[Heidi3]

Re: does smoking effect weight loss

cancer makes you skinny ...stop smoking ...it makes no sense anymore

[Profitweb]

Re: does smoking effect weight loss

ROFL, that's evil Heidi!!! Love2Lose, keep smoking, get cancer, lose tons of weight & be skinny for the rest of you life!!! We'll name the diet after you if you don't quit smoking!

[Love2Lose]

Re: does smoking effect weight loss

You guys are right. I know that it is very bad for my health and I am determined to quit. I might as well go through the withdrawals from nicotine and carbs at the same time. I really appreciate everyones replies to my question. I will keep you all posted on my progress

[G-Mom]

Re: does smoking effect weight loss

This has been so hard to read. My hubby smokes and he won't quit. He has tried everything, but he has an excuse for everything (lozenges, gum give him a sore throat), drugs don't work. This is our 4-year-old's birthday and I just wish he would look at him and our older son and have that be enough to make him quit. I just know that I will bury him before we get to enjoy a nice retirement.

SMOKE AND DIE. My grandmother was a smoker and suffocated to death after getting aggressive lung cancer. I just hope I don't see my hubby die from the same fate.

[Love2Lose]

Re: does smoking effect weight loss

Hi everyone here is my update. I have decided to stop smoking after visiting whyquit.com and it has been a difficult past couple of days. I guess I am here seeking support and motivation. I know this isnt a board to quit smoking, but I have felt so much comfort and support from all of u that I am hoping that u guys can help me make it through this too.

[choeve]

Re: does smoking effect weight loss

The first time I quit smoking I did it the right way. I went walking every night to work off the stress of quitting. I ended up losing 10 pounds. I did start smoking 3 years later again and it took several tries to quit again. None of those times did I use exercise for the stress I used food. Guess what I gained 40 pounds. I did finally quit for good in September 1997 and continued to gain more weight. So the moral of this story is use your exercise to work off the stress of quitting not food. No matter how you do it, it is better to quit and stay quit. It gets harder and harder each time you quit and the longer you smoke. But it can be done I did it so it is not impossible. Difficult but not impossible.

[choeve]

Re: does smoking effect weight loss

One more thing it only takes 2 weeks for you to lose the nicotine addiction/carving. Get yourself a calendar. Mark the day you will quit. Mark the date 2 weeks later. Each day mark off your day so you can see you are closer to feeling ok again. YOU CAN DO IT. It is only 2 weeks. I think it helped me so much to know that tense, jittery, crazy feeling you get only last 2 weeks. I could deal with it knowing it would end. And I did this while my husband was still smoking (right next to me some days) and trying his very best to get me to fail at quitting. I guess he felt guilty I was not quitting and he wasn't even trying so he wanted me to fail. I looked like a wild woman or bride of Frankenstein from running my fingers thru my hair so often for those two weeks. LOL Then after that it is all changing the habit no addiction anymore.