New research shows that poor eating habits are closely linked to nicotine withdrawal behavior. The data obtained accordingly point to brain functions that are responsible for addiction and appetite regulation as a possible cause for the preference for high-energy, high-calorie foodSmokers fighting nicotine addictionthere. This can cause weight gain in people who quit smoking, which in turn can increase the risk of relapse.
The craving for nicotine as an influencing factor for poor eating habits
The study authors examined whether acute nicotine withdrawal increases the intake of junk food, which is high in salt, fat and sugar. The research team also wanted to find out to what extent the stress reduction receptors are involved. In fact, alleviating these challenges during the treatment process could help patients quit smoking. At the same time, they would also prevent bad eating habits and promote healthier diets. The team examined a group of smoking and non-smoking participants between the ages of 18 and 75 during two laboratory sessions. All were randomly assigned to 24-hour withdrawal from nicotine products and received either a placebo or 50 mg of naltrexone. At the end of each session, participants received a tray of snacks that varied in high to low energy density and dimensions from salty, sweet, and fatty.
Analysis of the data revealed that smokers undergoing nicotine withdrawal consume more calories than non-smokers. Results from preclinical and clinical research support this and show that stress increases the tendency to eat foods high in fat and sugar. The drug administered normalized calorie intake to levels seen in non-smokers. This suggests that the stress relief receptors may provide a nicotine withdrawal-induced calorie intake mechanism. However, food selection and consumption were also influenced by participants' smoking background. Fear of gaining weight is a major concern for smokers. The key to breaking down these barriers is, according to the authorsthis studyis to better understand the factors that increase the urge to eat high-calorie foods. Future research would therefore be crucial in identifying the mechanisms of these changes and could accordingly be directed towards therapeutic interventions.
