Vapes or e-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that stimulate tobacco smoking. They are highly popular among young people, especially high schoolers and middle schoolers. Vapes are often speculated as the gateway to using more harmful drugs such as cigarettes and pot.
Though smoking cigarettes and vaping are slightly different from each other, they have a lot in common. They are both addictive, contain harmful chemicals, and have similar effects on the body. It is widely known that excessive smoking can lead to weight loss. So, cannot blame someone if they wonder, “Does vaping make you lose weight?”.
In this article, we will investigate the correlation between vaping and weight loss. If you are a vaper or if you are going to get into it, read on before taking your next draw.
Does Vaping Make You Lose Weight? Factors That Lead To Weight Loss
Before understanding the correlation between vaping and weight loss, let’s figure out why smoking cigarettes can lead to weight loss. Usually, cigarettes contain a considerable amount of nicotine in them. Nicotine can help curb the appetite of some people, leading to reduced food intake and weight loss.
Unlike cigarettes, not all vapes contain nicotine. In the ones that do, the concentration of nicotine might be low compared to cigars. So, there is no clear-cut answer to whether vaping can cause weight loss or not. Human studies have shown mixed results and some in vitro studies have found no significant correlation.
Some non-nicotine vapes may contain CBD (cannabidiol). They are a psychedelic substance that has anti-inflammatory, anti-seizure, and anxiety-reducing properties. They are also seen to suppress appetite leading to less food intake and potentially weight loss.
Does Vaping Make You Gain Weight?
Though vapes are less harmful than cigarettes, their flavors might make them more enjoyable, leading to overuse. Some studies done on people who quit smoking and chose vaping instead found that they were vaping more and were experiencing overweight caused by overeating.
CBD has a complex relationship with the part of your brain that regulates your appetite. Though it generally suppresses your appetite, in some cases CBD can stimulate it. Leading to false hunger and overeating which in turn can cause weight gain.
Does Quitting Vaping Make You Gain Weight?
Although it is not fully understood, why this happens, quitting smoking or vaping is found to increase the weight gain of the person.
According to a study published in the NIH, National Library of Medicine, it is found that the effects of vaping on weight increase are similar to smoking, but the weight gain experienced after vaping cassation is lower and comparable with nicotine nonusers. So, with enough lifestyle changes and healthy practices, you can maintain a healthy weight easily even after quitting vaping.
Here are some of the effective ways to lose weight after quitting vaping:
💠 Balanced And Nutritious Diet
Following a balanced diet filled with a variety of nutritious foods is effective for weight loss after quitting vaping. Include leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, lean protein sources such as chicken breast, and omega-3 fatty acid sources such as salmon in your diet. Also, remember that the portion size matters, overuse of anything can do more harm than good.
💠 Increase Physical Activity
Physical activities such as exercising, dancing, running, and swimming can be also beneficial for weight loss. It will help you burn the fat and calories in your body and help you achieve a strong and well-defined physique.
💠 Avoid Impulse Snacking
Many people who quit smoking or vaping resort to impulse snacking to keep their hands and mouths occupied. While this can help you soften your withdrawal symptoms, it can also lead to overeating and weight gain. Instead of snacking, try chewing sugar-less gums or eating nutritious cut fruits that do not have a high amount of sugar.
💠 Don’t Hesitate To Ask For Help
Some people consider asking for help as a sign of weakness. But in reality, it is just a part of being a human. If you are struggling to control your appetite, ask your friends and family to put you in check. You can also ask for help from other people who have quit vaping. They can give you helpful tips from personal experiences.
💠 Put Your Mind At Ease
High levels of stress can cause overeating (stress eating). Try stress management techniques such as yoga, breathing exercises, meditation, journaling, and spending time with friends and family. Find what works for you and stick with it. If none of these techniques work, you can also consult a therapist for more personalized advice.
Conclusion
Vaping and weight loss have a complex relationship. In some cases, it is found to cause weight loss and in some cases, it may cause weight gain.
The studies have found mixed results and it is not entirely clear whether vaping would support weight loss or not. However, as with quitting smoking, quitting vaping may also lead to some weight gain. You can avoid this by following a healthy diet, increasing physical movements, avoiding impulse snacking, asking for help from others, and managing your stress.
