In the two weeks before menstruation begins (i.e. after ovulation) there appears to be a natural inclination for women to increase their food consumption. Biologically, this makes good sense as the body is preparing for a possible pregnancy. One study estimated the increased food intake to account for an extra 500 calories a day for the 10 days before menstruation. Chocolate especially seemed to be craved for at this time - a potential contributor to weight gain.

Within this same two weeks, basal metabolic rate increases by about 10%. However, this increase does not compensate for the extra 500 calories consumed on average! Some control over food intake is required to prevent weight gain. Women on the pill may not experience this effect of increased basal metabolic rate.

 

When someone quits smoking, weight is often gained even if they don’t alter their diet or their exercise routines at all. That’s because smoking causes the body to burn slightly more calories in order to cope with carbon monoxide and other tobacco toxins. When someone quits, their metabolism slows down to more normal levels, which means fewer calories are burned. This can lower energy needs by as many as 200-500 calories.

This might sound like a good reason to continue or take up smoking. Not so! It is far healthier to be overweight than to be a smoker. Weight gains when you quit smoking can be avoided by sensible eating and daily exercise. Exercise in particular can be very effective in countering the drop in metabolic rate.