Does Vaping Make You Lose Weight?

For smokers who plan to switch from cigarettes to vapes, the question of weight gain might be a cause of concern. 

It's common for smokers to find that they've gained weight after giving up smoking. 

In this post, we'll explore the relationship between vaping and weight loss and aim to dispel myths about how vaping can impact your diet. 

Nicotine's Role in Appetite and Metabolism

So, what's the connection between nicotine and weight? Nicotine, an addictive compound found in tobacco and often added to e-liquids for vaping, has various effects on the body. 

One of its effects is appetite suppression, which leads to reduced snacking or eating among smokers. In addition, smoking can dull taste sensations, contributing to decreased food intake. This change in appetite can be why some people who smoke notice an increase in their enjoyment of food after quitting.

While nicotine is primarily known for its stimulant effects on the central nervous system, it can also influence metabolic processes in the body. 

Nicotine slightly increases the body's energy expenditure, primarily by stimulating the release of certain neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters boost heart and metabolic rates, leading to more calories burned. 

Can Vaping Help You to Lose Weight?

Among many other benefits, vaping may be able to help you burn more calories. But it shouldn't be used as your primary method of weight loss. 

Nicotine in vapes can reduce your appetite, meaning you might feel less hungry when using nicotine-containing vapes. Some people believe this could potentially aid in weight loss.

That's because nicotine is suggested to enhance the effects of leptin, the hormone that makes you full. It also influences other hormones like dopamine and norepinephrine, which boosts metabolism and reduces appetite. 

Of course, if you're worried about nicotine's addictive qualities, you can vape without nicotine. 

That's why it's important to buy vapes containing flavours that suit your taste. 

Will You Gain Weight if You Quit Smoking?

Smoking can indirectly affect your eating habits. That said, on average, people gain between 5 to 10 lbs after quitting smoking. 

Below you’ll find a few reasons for this: 

• The nicotine found in cigarettes or vape juice speeds up your metabolism, increasing the calories you burn by about 7 to 15%. 
• Nicotine is also a stimulant and appetite suppressant. When you quit smoking, you might feel hungrier and eat more. 
• Breaking habits is always difficult. Some might resort to eating as a coping mechanism when dealing with stress. 

3 Tips for Healthy Weight Management

While vaping can help with weight loss, it shouldn't be the sole reason you decide to vape. 

However, here are some more effective weight management strategies besides smoking. 

Exercise 

Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Moderate exercise means doing activities that make you breathe harder and increase your heart rate, but it shouldn't be too strenuous. A good example of moderate exercise is brisk walking or jogging. 

If you're just starting to exercise and you have any underlying health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a heart condition, it's a good idea to consult with a doctor before beginning a new exercise routine. This is especially important to ensure your safety and well-being.

Healthy Eating 

Healthy eating is an effective strategy to maintain or lose weight without smoking. 

Focus on consuming a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from all food groups. This should include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.

Also, be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating. Pay attention to recommended serving sizes and use smaller plates to help with portion control.

While it may be tempting to skip meals, we advise against it. Eating at regular intervals can help stabilize blood sugar levels and avoid excessive hunger, which can lead to overeating.

Sugar-Free Gum 

Sugar-free gum is a healthier and less costly alternative to get a similar appetite suppression effect without smoking. Chewing gum can help reduce feelings of hunger or cravings, which may benefit weight management. Some people even use it to reduce their desire or cravings for sugary snacks. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Vaping Burn Calories?

Yes, vaping can burn calories. That's because nicotine can help to increase a person's resting metabolic rate, which is the number of calories burned while at rest. That said, the evidence is limited and isn't significant enough to rely on as a weight loss method. 

Does Vape Ruin Your Diet?

No, vaping doesn't ruin your diet. However, the nicotine in the e-liquid can help to suppress feelings of hunger, which can affect your eating habits. The specific effects on your appetite will vary. For some people, vaping could help curb sweet cravings. 

Final Thoughts

You now know how vaping plays a role in weight loss. If you choose vape juices that contain nicotine, it can affect your body's appetite and metabolism, but it shouldn't be used as a weight loss strategy. Always follow health weight management practices to slowly lose or maintain weight without resorting to quick fixes that may have health risks. 

Knowing what nicotine strength works best for you is essential so you can adequately choose the right vape for your needs. 

If you want the best vape pens, RELX has you covered. With a wide range of flavours, you're sure to find one that satisfies your taste buds. Shop RELX today and elevate your vaping experience.