The rumour mill has been buzzing: vaping is the latest trend in weight loss. But is there any truth to this, or is it merely another fleeting diet fad? Let’s explore what the science actually says.
Remember those quirky diet trends from decades past? The 70s had the dubious white wine and egg diet, the 80s revived the grapefruit diet from the 30s, and the Atkins diet rose and fell during the late 90s and early 2000s. Is vaping set to be the “diet” trend of the 2020s?
Here at Snowman, our focus is on developing vaping products that assist in quitting smoking, not weight loss. Nonetheless, we’re intrigued: can vaping actually help with weight management, and if so, how?
Vaping and Caloric Intake: The Lowdown
The mention of calories can cause dread for anyone trying to manage their weight. However, calories are essential for our bodies to function. Men typically require around 2,500 calories per day, while women need about 2,000. The goal is to balance calorie intake with expenditure to maintain a healthy weight, focusing on nutritious foods and beverages.
Given the delicious variety of vape flavours, one might wonder if they contribute calories. Fortunately, the sweeteners in our vape liquids are calorie-free, and the minimal calories in vegetable glycerine are negligible in terms of weight impact.
Interestingly, a study in England found that one in 22 vapers use them for weight control, and one in 50 substitute vaping for meals or snacks. While the sweeteners don’t explain this, could the nicotine in vapes be a factor in weight management?
Nicotine and Weight: A Complex Interaction
It’s common for individuals to gain weight after quitting smoking, which can be attributed to several factors:
- Nicotine suppresses appetite. Once you stop smoking, this effect wears off, possibly increasing your hunger.
- Nicotine accelerates your metabolism, meaning your body burns calories quicker—an effect that ceases with smoking cessation.
Nicotine and Metabolism: Delving into the Science
Research by figures such as Janet Audrain-McGovern and Neil Benowitz has examined nicotine’s effect on body hormones. They found that nicotine “influences brain chemicals that suppress eating and increase metabolic rate”.
However, a significant caution: cigarettes contain numerous harmful chemicals besides nicotine, which are associated with severe health risks, including cancer. Thus, using cigarettes as a weight-loss method is highly inadvisable!
Vaping and Nicotine: A Safer Alternative?
While nicotine-free options exist, many vapes contain nicotine, aiding smokers in transitioning from cigarettes. The nicotine in vapes is much purer than that in cigarettes. Snowman, for example, uses pharmaceutical-grade nicotine similar to that in cessation medications, offering nicotine’s benefits without the harmful carcinogens of cigarettes.
Nicotine’s potential to suppress appetite and perhaps boost metabolism suggests that vaping could help prevent weight gain typically associated with quitting smoking.
Conclusion: Vaping is Not a Weight-Loss Solution
While vaping may indirectly affect weight by influencing appetite and metabolism, it is not a weight-loss solution. Sustainable weight management is built on a foundation of a healthy diet and regular exercise.
If your goal is to quit smoking, Snowman vapes could be beneficial. However, our primary aim is to support a smoke-free future, not weight reduction. By focusing on healthy habits, weight loss may naturally follow.
Interested in trying vaping? Explore Snowman’s extensive selection of flavours and devices to find your ideal match!
