Nicotine gum for weight loss is an unlikely subject in the conversation about weight loss. It was developed to help smokers quit, but now some are asking whether it might be useful as a weight management product. But can you really lose weight by chewing nicotine gum, and more to the point, is it safe to do so?
How Nicotine Affects Weight
Nicotine is a stimulant that has various effects on the body. Nicotine is known to raise metabolism marginally, to act as an appetite suppressant, and to alter the metabolism of fat and sugar. Smokers tend to weigh less than non-smokers, and many people gain weight when they stop smoking, prompting some interest in the potential use of nicotine products for weight control.
Research indicates you can raise metabolism temporarily by about 7 to 15% with nicotine. It also influences the brain chemistry that controls hunger signals, so people are less hungry, or they are full after smaller meals.
Does Nicotine Gum Lead to Weight Loss?
Research on nicotine gum and weight loss is inconclusive. Some evidence suggests that nicotine gum might delay weight gain or result in a small amount of weight loss in the short term. But the magnitude of these effects is usually small and transient.
Nicotine gum study:
Research suggests that those on nicotine gum gained somewhat less weight than those using the placebo. The difference in weight was typically between 1-3 pounds after a few months. When people stop chewing nicotine gum, any lost weight is often regained.
The appetite-depressing effect also seems to wane as people get used to nicotine. This means that nicotine gum isn’t an effective drug for long-term weight loss.
Serious Safety Concerns
Using nicotine gum to shed pounds is much riskier than any benefits:
Addiction Potential:
Nicotine is addictive. Those who use nicotine gum to try to lose weight may find themselves addicted to the product, which can be difficult to stop using.
Cardiovascular Effects:
Nicotine raises the heart rate and blood pressure. It causes blood vessels to constrict and may contribute to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke in the long term.
Other Side Effects:
Common side effects are irritation of the mouth, jaw pain, hiccups, nausea, headaches, and stomach problems. Some people get dizziness, a racing heart, or trouble sleeping.
However, for this non-approved use, you are just getting the harm and none of the benefits.
Who Should Avoid Nicotine Gum
Certain people should not use nicotine products:
- Pregnant or nursing mothers
- People who have heart disease or high blood pressure
- Diabetics
- People who have stomach ulcers
- People under the age of 18
Better Alternatives for Weight Loss
Don’t turn to nicotine gum, try these fat-burning options that work for long-term loss:
Balanced nutrition:
Stick to whole foods and eat plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limiting processed and sugary foods helps to maintain a healthy weight, too.
Delivery cardiovascular exercise with strength training to get your metabolism running and to gain muscle.
Adequate Sleep:
Underlying Insufficient sleep alters hunger hormones and makes losing weight even more difficult. Shoot for 7 to 9 hours each night.
Stress management:
Chronic stress is associated with excess weight. Do some meditation, yoga, or other relaxation you want.
Professional Support:
You might want to consider working with a registered dietitian or a certified weight loss specialist who can design a plan for you.
The Bottom Line
Although based on surveys, nicotine gum seems to have some minor temporary effects on body weight, it is not a safe and effective tool for weight loss. The dangers of addiction, heart disease, and harm to other organs of the body are far greater than any possible benefits.
Weight loss caused by using nicotine isn’t sustainable, and neither is the damage it does to your overall health. “Safe, proven ways to focus on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle modifications continue to be the best approach for long-term weight management.”
If you are having difficulty losing weight, get advice from a healthcare professional who can suggest suitable approaches based on your personal needs and health condition.
