[net.med] Weight loss and Smoking - Query

srm@pyuxnn.UUCP (10/31/83)

A friend of mine, who is trying to lose weight, claims that he can't
stop smoking now since it will cause him to gain weight, thereby 
negating the effects of dieting. Of course, this is not news, but, his
claim is that it has nothing to do with increased eating which occurs
as a compensation for not smoking. His claim is that there is some
"biological" basis for increased weight gain when smoking is ceased.

Question: Assuming you keep food intake constant, can stopping smoking
actually cause you to increase your weight gain? (I think not, but I
promised him I'd ask.)

Please mail responses; I'll post a summary.

			Steve Marcovici
			...pyuxnn!srm

bmcjmp@burdvax.UUCP (11/02/83)

There is somewhat of a biological basis for what your friend says. The
nicotine in cigarette smoke acts both as an appetite suppressant and as a
stimulant, which raises the metabolism, causing calories to be burned
faster. Trying to quit smoking AND lose weight at the same time is usually a
bad idea. However, it seems to me that it would be more important to stop
smoking first, as this is the more poisonous of the two conditions. One
could replace smoking with exercise, which, when done PROPERLY, also raises
the metabolism and acts as an appetite suppressant. (Yes, really! I don't
know how many times I've gone into my aerobics class feeling hungry, and
gotten out not wanting any more than a diet soda. Besides, it's hard to
argue with a weight loss of 45 pounds.) Once exercise is established and
smoking is ended, a change of diet - less calories, and better foods, none
of this fad formula stuff - and an increase in the exercise as your
endurance builds can lead to a slow but effective weight loss. 

Barb Puder, burdvax!bmcjmp