Weight Loss & Nicotine
Nicotine is a stimulant that is found in tobacco products. Nicotine increases the heart rate, depresses the appetite and, in larger amounts, can cause nausea. Nicotine is found most often in tobacco products that can be smoked, such as cigarettes. The smoke causes damages to various parts of the body including the lungs and the heart. When smoked, the nicotine in tobacco reaches the brain in approximately six seconds. Various studies have been conducted that show smoking leads to cancer, disease and ultimately death.
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Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
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When consumed nicotine will cause an increase in blood pressure. The heart rate will increase between 2 to 3 beats per minute. This in turn causes an increase in the flow of blood to the heart, which reduces the flow of blood to other parts of the body such as the legs and brain. Nicotine will also cause all of the arteries in the body to narrow. If the nicotine intake occurs as a result of smoking, carbon monoxide will be produced and reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood. This increases the demand for oxygen in the body.
Nicotine Addiction
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A person who uses nicotine will become tolerant of its effects quickly. This will require the user to consume more of the nicotine to achieve the desired effect. When first smoked, nicotine will cause the user to become more alert and awake. If the use of nicotine is continued over the course of the day, the user will notice a slight euphoria which will cause them to consume more nicotine. As this process continues over time, the user will become addicted to nicotine.
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Withdrawal Symptoms Which Can Lead To Weight Loss
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The withdrawal symptoms of nicotine that come with the nicotine addiction can cause a person to lose weight. After a person starts smoking they will become addicted very quickly and some studies show that a person can become addicted in as little as a day. When a person attempts to stop smoking or does not smoke for a period of time withdrawal symptoms begin. Some common withdrawal symptoms include fatigue, nervousness, headaches, nausea, trouble sleeping and increased anxiety. In addition a person will experience a change in body temperature, heart rate, and appetite. Weight loss may occur due to the stress placed on the central nervous system during withdrawal.
Body and Social Image
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A person may start smoking in order to lose weight because of the misconception that smoking will cause extreme weight loss. This could be because of advertising that depicts users of tobacco products tends to shows users who are thin, in shape, and doing well in society. This perception may cause a person to start smoking. This phenomenon generally occurs between the ages of 10 and 18 years of age. The peer group of a person in this age range greatly affects whether or not they will choose to smoke. In some groups smoking is seen as a bad habit and in others it is exactly the opposite.
Considerations
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Research shows that smoking is detrimental to your overall all health and causes many negative side effects. A person should not begin smoking to lose weight. A healthy diet and proper exercise regimens should be the cornerstone of any weight loss plan.
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References
Resources
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