To stop smoking is challenge enough but some smokers’ apprehension the possibility of gaining weight. About 80% of smokers put on weight when they quit. Women typically gain between 3 kilograms and 5.5 kilograms in the first year after stopping, while men tend to gain less. Study shows that in the long term, the average body weight of female ex-smokers is similar to women who have never smoked. Smoking conquers the appetite and therefore you may feel hungrier when you quit smoking. Many smokers are in fact underweight due to prolonged appetite suppression and of those who do put on weight, about half increase their weight by less than two kilos. Nicotine also speeds up the bodies processes, so when you stop smoking your body needs less energy, but if you are giving it more this can lead to weight gain. Nicotine can lessen your appetite by directly affecting the activity of serotonin and dopamine, which are substances that control neural transmission in areas of your brain, that turn your appetite on and off. Most people who quit smoking worry about gaining weight. While a small gain is normal, excessive weight gain when you quit smoking can create new health problems and erode your determination to stay off cigarettes. Tips to avoid Weight Gain A sensible exercise and eating plan will help keep your weight down and keep you fit. Go easy on yourself and go about making these changes to your lifestyle in moderation. Increase your consumption of fruits, vegetables and wholegrain foods. Alcoholic drinks can contain many kilojoules. Try alternating with water or other low kilojoules drinks. Have raw vegetable sticks and other low fat, low kilojoules foods on hand. Don’t think that taking up smoking again will mean you will shed the weight – sometimes it doesn’t work. Focus on improving your diet and increasing your physical activity. Discuss with your doctor or dietitian for advice. Doctor may guide you to try quit smoking drugs: like Chantix, Zyban. Chantix and Zyban have been approved by FDA for the treatment of smoking cessation.