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I quit smoking after having smoked for ten years. I gained about 10 lbs. I can't really speak to metabolic changes: it makes sense, though, b/c nicotine is a mild stimulant (from my limited research).

I feel the change in eating habits are what really make you gain weight. When I was smoking, I always had a cig after a meal--as most smokers do. That cig was the signal to my body and mind that I was done eating. When you quit, you don't have the signal--so you might go for the cookies or whatever. The oral fixation needs something besides cigs, so you replace it with food.

Also, when I didn't have the buzz from cigs, I replaced it with more beer.

My solution was to have some carbonated water after every meal--Klarbrunn lemon flavored. This replaced my post-meal smoke.

good luck man