Quitting smoking halves cardiovascular risks even if you gain a few weight, according to a new study.

The fear of putting on weight associated with stopping smoking is a common excuse not to stop this bad habit. Half of smokers say they fear this weight gain against a quarter of men. “Some smokers want to avoid putting on weight for cosmetic reasons,” observes James Meigs, study director and physicist at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Yet beyond the “cosmetic” impact, these possible extra pounds are not harmful to health, according to the results of an American survey published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. 3,200 American adults have been medically followed for four years. 31% of the panel were smokers, a percentage that rose to 13% four years later.

During the study period, 631 people suffered a heart attack, heart attack, blocked arteries. But ex-smokers were half the risk of smokers, even if they put on a few pounds. Weight gain averaged between 2 and 5 kilos among those who quit smoking.
“So the message is, yes, you can put on a little weight if you decide to quit smoking, but you are halving your cardiovascular risk,” says Dr. Meigs.

How to quit smoking without getting fat?
Fortunately, it is still possible, with some effort, to stop smoking without taking a gram. It is estimated that quitting smoking results in an additional 500 calories per day. Changing your eating habits (less fat, less starchy foods, more fruits and vegetables) and physical habits seems imperative to avoid putting on weight. The use of nicotine substitutes to avoid giving in to impulses related to the lack of nicotine can also be a solution.