How does nicotine affect appetite and body weight?

Nicotine plays a significant role in the regulation of appetite and body weight, which contributes to the persistence of tobacco use.1

• Appetite Suppression: Nicotine acts on the brain to influence appetite, often helping users control their food intake. This effect is linked to the stimulation of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine.123
• Body Weight: On average, cigarette smokers weigh 2 to 4 kg (4.4 to 8.8 pounds) less than nonsmokers. Because nicotine helps suppress appetite, resumption of smoking can assist individuals in losing weight that may have been gained during periods of abstinence.1
• Withdrawal and Weight Gain: Weight gain is a common symptom of withdrawal when a person stops using tobacco. This increase in appetite is one of the challenges individuals face during smoking cessation, and researchers are currently evaluating medications specifically designed to help prevent the weight gain associated with this process.134