Nicotine is a stimulant that sometimes decreases appetite. So after you quit, your metabolism may slow down. Cigarettes may also take the place of food in your daily routine. Because of these factors, some people gain up to 10 pounds when they quit smoking, some people gain more, and some do not gain any weight at all. Even if you gain some weight, your health risks as a non-smoker are lower than the risks you would face if you continued smoking.
You can plan to counter these changes in your body with increased physical activity – which is made easier by quitting smoking! – and nutritious food choices, particularly if you are using food to manage cigarette cravings.