Smoking slows down. Why alcohol and smoking interfere with weight loss? Does smoking help you lose weight?

On the way to a slim figure, there are many obstacles that are sometimes not easy to overcome. However, if overeating and a passive lifestyle are a priori perceived as the main difficulties in the process of losing weight, then common addictions, on the contrary, are often credited with a positive "slimming" effect. Meanwhile, nicotine and alcohol can wipe out all weight loss work.

Smoking

Smoking, according to statistics annually reducing the population of the Earth by six million people, is not only one of the most "effective" ways to undermine your health, but also a serious obstacle for those wishing to lose weight. At the same time, many people, having decided to try another strict diet on themselves, increase the number of cigarettes smoked, fleeing from bouts of hunger. There is also a large number of people who see smoking as a panacea for excess weight and motivate their addiction to nicotine with the desire to stay slim. These illusions are based on one real fact - smoking can really reduce appetite, but the end result will be disastrous for both health in general and for the figure in particular.

The fact is that nicotine, entering the body, painfully hits the main digestive organs and interferes with the production of necessary enzymes. It all starts with the weakening of the enamel of the teeth, which must thoroughly grind food, giving it the opportunity to begin to be digested - smokers do this poorly, since the sensitivity of their teeth and gums is increased. In addition, smokers directly interfere with the stomach by inhaling nicotine with each puff and swallowing it with increased saliva production. This important organ dramatically slows down its activity within 15-20 minutes after the next cigarette, as a result of which the incoming food remains half-digested and stuck on the way to the intestines. Therefore, a decrease in appetite is nothing more than a consequence of inhibition of the contractile function of the stomach. If you are in a hurry to rejoice at this effect, then keep in mind that it will be very difficult to part with what you have eaten - as a result, you will find various "pleasant" little things like colitis and hemorrhoidal formations, there can be no talk of any full-fledged digestion. And given that normal metabolism is vital for losing weight, it's easy to imagine what a disservice you are doing to your body.

Add to that increased production

lipids

- that is, fats dissolved in the blood, the excess of which leads to atherosclerosis. Another feature of nicotine is its ability to provoke the production of an increased amount of pepsin-1: a substance that aggressively destroys collagen produced by the body, which is designed to keep the skin smooth and elastic, and also prevent the formation of wrinkles. But your goal is not just to lose weight, but to preserve beauty, not allowing the skin to hang in unaesthetic folds - here collagen fibers are indispensable helpers that are easily destroyed thanks to cigarettes.

No less sad is the effect of nicotine on the state of the cardiovascular system. Lung dysfunction, oxygen deficiency, spasms of small blood vessels are not the best companions in the struggle for a slender body. It will be much more difficult for you to master physical exercises, and the effect of them will be quickly leveled by the next portion of tobacco smoke, since classes are aimed at activating metabolism, blood circulation and lymph flow, and cigarettes diligently interfere with these processes. In addition, making it difficult for the blood vessels to work, you thereby help the development of cellulite formations - oxygen and lymph are already supplied to these areas of the skin in insufficient quantities, and nicotine only aggravates the situation. So if numerous diseases, such as ulcers and cancers, are not a reason for you to give up cigarettes, look at nicotine as the enemy of slimness and beauty, perhaps this argument will be stronger.

Alcohol

Alcohol, which has become one of the main national ills, has long been studied by scientists for its relationship with the processes of weight loss. The main problem here turned out to be by no means a significant calorie content of intoxicating drinks, although the uncontrolled absorption of "liquid calories" contributes to an increase in body weight. The main difficulty faced by those losing weight is the disruption of the nervous system and the direct effect of alcohol on the functions of the brain. Outwardly, this manifests itself as a weakening or loss of self-control, including the amount eaten. Life begins to seem so good that you just don't want to spoil it with thoughts of a reasonable approach to nutrition - and so another portion of a high-calorie snack is consumed, several salads seasoned with mayonnaise are eaten, along with an extra piece of cake ... , in whom constant food abstinence forms a victim complex, so the mind clouded with alcohol loses its power, and instincts urge to eat more in order to win back the hunger strikes. In addition, ethanol - whatever drink contains it - inhibits the satiety center, which is why you will not feel full, even if you have actually stretched your stomach.

From the point of view of the digestive process, alcohol is dangerous in that it significantly complicates the work of the liver and pancreas - which means that these organs cannot produce in the required amount the enzymes necessary for processing food (primarily fats). The stomach also suffers - for clarity of the effect produced, it is enough to remember that alcohol is administered to laboratory animals for the purpose of artificial ulcerative lesions of the stomach. The intestines are no better, because damage to the mucous membranes and the acceleration of physical activity affect its work in the most negative way. As a result, not only the intestinal microflora is disturbed, but also many useful substances that come with food are lost, since they are simply not absorbed. By the way, these substances also include vitamins C and group B, the lack of which is fraught with skin problems and a slowdown in the structure of muscle fibers. Naturally, these are not at all the results that are needed in the process of losing weight. The side effects of alcohol consumption are poor health and antipathy, which are often accompanied by moral torment and the urge to give up everything and "eat up" those extra pounds again.

There is one more problem of a purely psychological nature: the eternal lack of positive emotions. Remember what inexplicably festive mood arises after a glass of champagne - this is nothing more than a sharp release into the blood of endorphins, the very hormones of happiness that you are able to receive after training in the gym, meditation, massage or other pleasant activities. Drinking alcohol as a more affordable alternative is an extremely dangerous way, since over time the peak of "happiness" will come only with the third or fourth glass. Given that women are more easily exposed to alcohol addiction, women should be especially careful and remember that the euphoria caused by alcohol is fleeting and brings a whole bunch of unpleasant consequences.

Of course, one cannot fail to mention that some scientists admit the possible use of a moderate dose of alcohol, and dry red wine is recognized as contributing to weight loss. However, it is quite difficult to determine exactly your level of a "harmless" portion, as well as to avoid addiction, albeit to extremely healthy red wine. Therefore, it is better for those who want to lose weight not to test their willpower for strength, since it is very easy to provoke a "breakdown" and refusal from the process of losing weight with the help of alcohol. Self-confident people can be advised to weigh the pros and cons and in no case consider alcohol as a way to get joy.

So, if you still want to lose weight at the cost of dry and saggy skin, chronic diseases and nervous breakdowns, you can try combining smoking with drinking, the result will not be long in coming. For those who prefer to increase their health and beauty, there are many other ways to enjoy themselves, for example, pride in their own willpower and the visual results of reasonable weight loss ...

Many are addicted to bad habits. Their main concern is smoking. Nicotine affects the human body and causes serious pathologies. Not everyone is ready to part with a cigarette. Someone does not want to change anything, and someone is afraid to gain weight. Does smoking affect weight or is it an excuse not to give up the habit?

Changes in the body

The relationship between weight and smoking has been studied for a long time. Smokers are usually slender people. But there are overweight representatives among them. Those who smoke for a long time accumulate fat in the "apple" shape - in a circle around the waist and on the upper part of the body.

A similar effect can ruin the female body, which will gradually take on the shape of a pear - a narrow waist and wide hips.

In thin smokers, the AZGP1 gene is activated, which is responsible for the functioning of the respiratory system - the breakdown of fats and carbohydrates depends on it. When a person starts smoking, this gene protects the respiratory system, and increased metabolism is a side effect.

The influence of tobacco poison on the human figure can be explained not only by genes. During smoking, psychological and physiological changes occur in the body that contribute to weight loss or gaining extra pounds:

1. Smoking causes an active production of saliva. Food does not enter the body, but hydrochloric acid is produced. As a result, small ulcers form in the stomach. Gradually, the contractile function of the gastrointestinal tract decreases: appetite disappears, the intestines do not work well, gastritis develops, etc.
2. A person who smokes forces his body to constantly fight nicotine. This consumes not only the calories that come with food, but also the body's energy reserves. As a result, the cigarette helps you lose weight.
3. The person starts smoking to cope with the experience. One smoked cigarette replaces his sandwich or cake, so the body begins to receive 2 times less calories.
4. When nicotine enters a person's bloodstream, glycogen production is disrupted. It is used by the body as an additional source of energy in case of emergency. When smoking, the body takes it for granted and starts working. Because of this, the feeling of hunger completely disappears.
5. Cigarette smoke negatively affects the work of the endocrine glands. Hormonal disorders occur. This slows down the metabolism - obesity develops. Fat accumulates in the waist area, but the volume of the hips remains the same. It is not always possible to lose weight with the help of cigarettes.
6. Nicotine impairs vascular function. As a result, oxygen deficiency occurs, blood circulation and lymph drainage are impaired. The skin of the face and body darkens, and excess weight appears even in those people who have always been slim.
7. The metabolism is accelerated due to the influence of nicotine. It acts on the production of adrenaline, which helps burn fat. Many people think that the cigarette is calming, but this is a misconception. The cigarette excites the nervous system, so when a person quits smoking, the metabolism slows down and the former smoker gets better.

Lifestyle change

Weight and smoking are linked. When a person quits smoking, his body begins to work normally - this contributes to gaining extra pounds and interferes with losing weight. People who have smoked all their lives will experience dramatic weight gain.

The psychological factor influences. It is not easy for a person to give up a cigarette, so he experiences stress. To overcome him, he begins to eat a lot. He wants to reduce the effects of nicotine withdrawal and changes his diet. Weight gain begins.

Avoiding cigarettes affects appetite. The amount of glycogen gradually returns to normal, and the body needs glucose: a lot of high-calorie foods appear in the diet. Losing weight after quitting smoking is real. A few rules will help:

1. Balanced diet. Once a person quits smoking, weight gain is most likely. This is true in the first month after quitting cigarettes. Eating healthy foods can help restore metabolism.
2. Daily exercise. At first, it can be walking in the park or swimming. Then the loads are gradually increased, fitness, running, etc. are added. Sports will help to get rid of excess weight. During physical activity, endorphins are produced - the hormone of happiness, which will not allow you to break loose and start smoking.
3. Planning. A busy schedule will help to cope with addiction: work, sports, walking, etc.

Diet change

Weight and smoking are closely related. The human body gradually gets used to both the presence of nicotine and its absence.... This means that soon the person will stop gaining weight and will be able to get rid of the bad habit forever. To quit smoking and not harm your health, it is important to do it in stages:

• change the diet;
• when the smoker loses weight with a balanced diet and gets used to the diet, you can quit smoking;
• there is a risk of gaining weight after quitting cigarettes, but a tried and tested diet will help.

Smoking is harmful to anyone. Nicotine contributes to the development of serious diseases: the sooner you quit cigarettes, the better. Quitting smoking affects weight gain, which is why many are afraid to quit the habit. Smoking slows down the accumulation of fat. It is possible to quit smoking and not get better. The main thing is to do it in stages and stick to a diet.

Instructions

Scientists have long confirmed that smoking in most cases helps a person lose weight. This is due to the fact that a daily portion not only dulls the feeling of hunger a little, but also speeds up the body's metabolism.

This substance has a pseudo-relaxing effect, similar to the narcotic. Therefore, the pleasure of smoking often replaces the pleasure of eating. In addition, because of nicotine in the blood, the level of glucose rises - this misleads the body, since it perceives it as a result of the consumption of sugary and carbohydrate foods. A morning coffee cigarette often replaces a full breakfast.

Nicotine that enters the bloodstream is perceived by the body as a toxin, for protection from which it mobilizes all its strength. As a result, calories that could be spent on energy or be completely unclaimed are spent on removing nicotine from the body. Hence the faster metabolism.

With the daily body does not have time to remove nicotine, so this substance accumulates in organs and tissues, causing. As a result, nutrients are no longer absorbed properly, which also affects weight loss. And if you add the consumption of a small amount of junk food to smoking cigarettes, instead of a normal diet, the consequences can lead not only to dystrophy, but also to disruption of vital functions.

It is not surprising that when this bad habit is abandoned, changes occur in the body's work and the metabolism slows down. All this leads to the fact that a person begins to gain weight rapidly. In addition, former heavy smokers initially contribute to their obesity, trying to stifle the need for a cigarette with frequent snacks and more abundant meals.

However, the pounds gained are not as bad as the negative effects of smoking. In addition, with proper nutrition and an active lifestyle, you can quickly get rid of excess weight, or even completely insure yourself against its appearance. To do this, you need to follow the diet in the first months after giving up cigarettes, try to eat only healthy foods and eat in small portions. Over time, the body will get used to the new way of life, and the stomach - to the quantity and quality of food consumed daily. Then the weight problems will go away forever, and the state of health will significantly improve.

How is smoking harmful to health? Nicotine, carbon monoxide and other constituents of tobacco smoke are not just inhaled and exhaled, they are incorporated into the human metabolism.

Lose weight on tobacco?

Smoking in general accelerates metabolism. The body uses energy more actively and burns reserves. Therefore, yes, of course, you can lose weight with cigarettes. But is the result worth it?

"Slimming from tobacco the same nature as losing weight with cancer or from malfunctioning of the thyroid gland "- says Galina Sakharova, MD, deputy director of the Research Institute of Pulmonology of the FMBA of Russia. - A smoker loses weight because the body is trying to cope with the negative effects of smoking."

Tobacco is stronger than marijuana

Comparative studies that tobacco is stronger than caffeine and marijuana causes physiological dependence, "losing" to alcohol, heroin and cocaine. As for psychological addiction, it is ahead of everyone, including heroin and cocaine.

This is because nicotine increases the level of dopamine (also called the pleasure hormone) in the brain and, at the same time, smoking suppresses monoamine oxidase - a special enzyme that breaks down dopamine.

The brain receives signals of pleasure, but quickly adapts to increased pleasure. With time the dose is required more and less pleasure... A drug is a drug.

Cell waste

In addition to nicotine, there is a lot of carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke, which begins to actively participate in the biochemical processes of the body. The fact is that the CO molecule (and this is carbon monoxide) perfectly binds to hemoglobin, a complex molecule that carries oxygen through the cells. This complex is much stronger than the compound of hemoglobin and oxygen, therefore oxygen deficiency comes quickly.

Result: the smoker's cells are in a constant state of oxygen starvation. By the way, exactly the same mechanism, only much faster, works if you take potassium cyanide.

Hormones

Strongly changes smoking and hormonal levels. Like many other alkaloids, nicotine changes the way the endocrine systems work... For example, it triggers the release of adrenaline from the adrenal cortex. Hence, the increased pulse rate in smokers, and frequent tachycardia.

Nicotine also affects the synthesis of other hormones. Therefore, in particular, smokers are more often diagnosed with infertility. In addition, due to the vasoconstrictor effect of nicotine in men, potency problems may arise.

Carcinogens

Cancer is a constant companion of smoking. Nicotine itself is not carcinogenic. However, tobacco does not completely burn out. When a dry tobacco leaf smolders, a lot of other things are released into the smoke. Including - polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzpyrenes and tobacco tar. But they cause cancer. Basically - cancer of the lungs, larynx, mouth and pancreas. I.e, the most intractable varieties.

By the way, the most important carcinogen is radioactivity - also present in tobacco. At least industrially grown in developed countries. The fact is that the taste of tobacco depends on the nitrogen content in the leaves; the less nitrogen, the tastier.

To reduce the nitrogen content, tobacco is fertilized with phosphate fertilizers, which are industrially produced from apatite. And these minerals contain radium, polonium and a radioactive isotope of lead as impurities, which accumulate in tobacco leaves. There are not many of them, but they are. Even some leading tobacco companies had to admit that cigarettes are lightly radioactive.

Nicotine and nicotinic acid

Sometimes you can hear how the smoker is justified by the lack of vitamin PP (nicotinic acid). Say, you need to replenish stocks. It is a myth . Nicotine is indeed easily oxidized to nicotinic acid (aka niacin) - but the human body does not have an enzyme that carries out this chemical reaction. So you can suffer at the same time and from the toxic effect of nicotine, and from the lack of vitamin PP.

About a dead horse

"A drop of nicotine kills a horse" - words familiar from childhood, and so hackneyed that they are perceived ironically. In this case, a drop of nicotine (let's say 0.05 milliliters) - lethal dose for an adult (cessation of breathing and heart).

The smoker consumes nerve poison daily, and it is quite strong. It was used as an insecticide for a reason.

The smoker can call 8-800-200-0-200 (the call is free for residents of Russia), to say that he needs help in quitting smoking, and he will be transferred to the specialists of the Consulting Call Center for Assistance in Quitting Tobacco Consumption (CTC). If all CTC specialists are busy at this moment, his phone number will be sent to CTC by e-mail, and he will be called back within 1-3 days.

Psychologists and doctors provide consultations to those who apply to KTC. Psychologists help to prepare for the day of smoking cessation, help to find a replacement for smoking rituals, together with the applicant, they will determine the optimal ways to overcome addiction, and support in difficult moments of fighting nicotine addiction. Doctors will advise on the most effective treatment options for smoking cessation, give advice to patients with various medical conditions on how to better prepare for quitting smoking, taking into account existing health problems.

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