Why can appetite increase after quitting smoking?

01

The key distinction

Physical hunger, a smoking craving and eating from habit can feel similar but are not the same measurement. Body weight also changes with fluid, meals, activity, medicines and health conditions, so a short-term number cannot identify one cause.

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02

How to read the evidence

Regular balanced meals, eating with fewer distractions, preparing practical snacks and choosing suitable activity are general options. Extreme restriction or a promised ‘metabolism reset’ is not supported by these sources.

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03

What it means in practice

Pregnancy, diabetes, an eating disorder, medication questions or a large or unexpected weight change need individualized advice. A clinician, dietitian or local cessation service can help without making weight loss a condition of quitting.

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04

What to keep in mind

• Physical hunger, a smoking craving and eating from habit can feel similar but are not the same measurement
• Regular balanced meals, eating with fewer distractions, preparing practical snacks and choosing suitable activity are general options
• Pregnancy, diabetes, an eating disorder, medication questions or a large or unexpected weight change need individualized advice

05

Common questions