Does Vaping Make You Lose Weight? What the Research Says

Vaping nicotine might curb appetite for some, potentially leading to weight loss, but its impact on overall weight management is still unclear.

It’s fairly well-known that smoking cigarettes can link to weight loss and that quitting smoking can lead to weight gain. But does this apply to vaping as well? And what about vapes that don’t involve nicotine, such as those with CBD?

The research on this topic isn’t always clear-cut, but here’s what we know.

A 2021 research review suggested nicotine can help manage weight by helping reduce appetite and food intake, possibly by affecting the release or activity of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC).

NPY and POMC are proteins involved in helping you manage hunger and satiety.

As smoking rates have declined, obesity rates have surged, showing a potential

In a 2022 review examining the specific impact of e-cigarette use on body weight, the findings differed across in vitro, human, and animal studies.

Some in vitro studies found no significant association between e-cigarettes and body weight changes. Human studies demonstrated mixed results regarding weight management behaviors and e-cigarette usage.

Some report that vaping helps with weight management or assists in managing weight gain after quitting smoking. In a 2016 study involving adult e-cigarette users aiming to manage weight, 13.5% used e-cigarettes for this purpose.

The findings show that those vaping for weight management tended to vape more, experience overweight, restrict calories, have difficulty managing impulses, and prefer flavors like coffee or vanilla.

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But when it came to e-cigarettes, weight worries were only tied to using them more often among current users, not to starting or thinking about using them.

Non-nicotine vaping and weight management

Not all vapes contain nicotine. Some include nicotine-free fluid, cannabis, or CBD. Cannabis is well-known for its

Regarding CBD, a

It’s also possible that weight-management mechanisms associated with vaping may extend beyond nicotine’s effects, encompassing factors like taste perception, physical mouthfeel, and behavioral substitution. These factors could potentially apply to any vape.

While some studies suggest nicotine in vaping might suppress appetite and affect weight, the evidence is still limited and doesn’t support vaping as a reliable weight loss method.

In addition, vaping may pose health risks, such as respiratory problems and

If you’re considering alternatives to vaping for weight management, here are some options to explore:

• Balanced diet and nutrition: Try eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains. Managing portion sizes and incorporating nutrient-dense foods can help manage weight.
• Regular physical activity: Make an effort to engage in regular exercise or physical activities. This can include cardio workouts, strength training, yoga, or staying active throughout the day.
• Support groups or counseling: Joining support groups focused on weight management or getting counseling can provide guidance and motivation for maintaining a moderate weight.
• Fitness apps: Fitness apps, such as MyFitnessPal, can help you track food and exercise. MyFitnessPal also has an online community where users can connect, share experiences, and support each other in their weight loss journeys.
• Mindfulness and stress management: Techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises can help manage stress and emotional eating, contributing to weight management.

When people stop vaping, they might experience changes in appetite or eating habits, leading to some weight gain. However, not everyone who quits vaping may gain weight, and the amount gained can differ widely from person to person.

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Vaping’s impact on weight management is complex and still unclear. While some studies suggest that vaping may help manage your weight, others show mixed or uncertain results.

Factors like nicotine’s effect on appetite and behavioral aspects might play a role, but clear evidence supporting vaping as a reliable weight management tool is lacking.

For weight loss goals, prioritizing a balanced diet and getting regular physical activity tend to yield better results than relying on vaping.