Will E-Cigarettes help me control my weight?

Question

I was skinny as a smoker and I gained 20 pounds since I quit smoking exactly one year ago. I swear to God I am not eating any more than I was before so I guess the nicotine is what it was. Do the vapor smokeless cigarettes help people control weight or maybe I could just slap on a nicotine patch every week. I feel frustrated by my fatness and honestly I do not feel healthier now because I am so fat now.

Rebecca Ashton · Accepted Answer

Thank you for your question.

A 2011 study by researchers at Yale University found that nicotine activates a pathway in the brain that suppresses appetite which could explain why people gain weight when they give up smoking. As you say that you are eating no more than before though, I'm wondering if perhaps your diet itself might have changed?

The problem with e-cigarettes is that it is a case of switching, rather than quitting altogether, and of course, because they're relatively new, the long term effects of using cigarettes is currently unknown.

As I am unable to give medical advice, my suggestion would be to see your doctor regarding your concerns, and in the meantime ensure that you are eating a balanced diet and getting enough exercise.

I hope that this helps.

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