Are vaping and weight loss connected? We’ve all heard the rumors: vaping is the latest weight-loss craze. But is there any truth to this, or is it just another fad diet destined for the dustbin of history? Let’s take a deep dive and see what the science says.
Remember all those wacky diet trends of the past? The 70s had the questionable white wine and egg diet, the 80s brought us the grapefruit craze (which was actually an oldie from the 30s!), and the 90s and 2000s saw the Atkins diet rise and fall. Is vaping destined to become the “diet” of the 2020s?
Here at Snowman, we develop vaping products to help people quit smoking, and not shed pounds. But that doesn’t stop us from being curious! So, can vaping help you lose weight, and if so, why?
Vaping and Calories: Don’t Sweat It
Calories – the word can send shivers down the spine of anyone trying to watch their weight. But the truth is, our bodies need them to function. Men typically need around 2,500 calories a day, while women need about 2,000. The key is to balance the calories you consume with the ones you burn to maintain a healthy weight. That doesn’t mean you can live off cake and cookies, though! Aim for nutritious foods and drinks to fuel your body.
Vapes come in all sorts of delicious flavors, so it’s natural to wonder if they pack a caloric punch. The good news? The sweeteners used in our vape liquids are calorie-free. Plus, the vegetable glycerine, while containing calories, has such a minimal amount it won’t affect your waistline. Interestingly, a study in England found that one in 22 vapers use them for weight control, and one in 50 even skip meals or snacks in favor of vaping. While the sweeteners aren’t the answer, could it be the nicotine in vapes that contributes to weight loss?
Nicotine and Weight: A Tricky Relationship
People who quit smoking often experience weight gain. This can happen for a few reasons:
- Nicotine curbs your appetite. When you stop smoking, that suppression disappears, and you might find yourself hungrier than usual.
- Nicotine revs up your metabolism. This means your body burns calories faster, an effect that goes away when you quit smoking.
Vaping and Weight Loss: The Science Explained
Researchers like Janet Audrain-McGovern and Neil Benowitz have explored how nicotine affects hormones in the body. They found that nicotine “…influences brain chemicals that suppress eating and increase metabolic rate”.
However, there’s a huge caveat: cigarettes contain a ton of harmful chemicals besides nicotine. These chemicals are linked to serious health problems, including cancer. So, using cigarettes as a weight-loss tool is a terrible idea!
Vaping and Nicotine: A Different Story
Unless you choose nicotine-free vapes, they do contain nicotine. This can help smokers transition away from cigarettes more smoothly. However, the nicotine in vapes is highly purified, unlike the kind found in cigarettes. In fact, Snowman uses the same grade of nicotine as some medications designed to help people quit smoking. This means you get the benefits of nicotine without the nasty carcinogens found in cigarettes.
As we discussed earlier, nicotine can suppress appetite and potentially boost metabolism. So, vaping might help prevent the weight gain sometimes associated with quitting smoking.
The Bottom Line: Vaping Isn’t a Magic Weight-Loss Bullet
While vaping might indirectly influence weight by affecting appetite and metabolism, it shouldn’t be considered a weight-loss strategy. There’s no magic bullet when it comes to shedding pounds. A healthy diet and regular exercise are the cornerstones of sustainable weight management.
If you’re looking to quit smoking, Snowman vapes can be a helpful tool. But remember, our main goal is to help you achieve a smoke-free future, not a smaller waistline. Focus on healthy habits, and weight loss might just follow as a natural consequence.
Ready to make the switch to vaping? Explore Snowman’s wide range of flavors and devices to find the perfect fit for you!
