Nicotine's Effects on Metabolism

The American Heart Association defines nicotine as the addictive substance found in cigarettes. It works by altering the brain's chemistry, making smokers crave it at increasing levels. Smokers credit nicotine's effect on the metabolism for helping many of them maintain their weight. The fear of weight gain often prevents some from quitting despite the health risks. There are a number of facts, supported by research, that outline the effects of nicotine on metabolism.

Increases in Metabolism

• A research study conducted in 1994 and cited by the Vanderbilt University demonstrated that nicotine increased the metabolism of smokers.

Smokers v. Non-Smokers

• The same study indicated that nicotine effects on metabolism are not dramatic when compared to the metabolism of non-smokers. However, these results depend on the level of nicotine intake by smokers.

Situational Metabolic Effects

• The research study indicated that the increase of nicotine's effects on metabolism is contingent upon smoking during casual physical activity and a reduction in eating.

Weight Control

• The nicotine effects on metabolism do not in themselves increase weight control. Weight lose often has more to do with the smoker's substitution of cigarettes for a healthy, balanced diet.

Weight Gain

• A common fear of people thinking about stopping smoking is gaining weight after they quit. However, as study in the American Journal of Physiology states that, after testing a number of individuals, there was not a significant increase in fat storage in the test subjects. Any weight gain is usually temporary if individuals maintain a healthy diet.