As more and more people use e-cigarettes, some questions arise: Will e-cigarettes affect health? Will they affect the environment? Will vaping cause weight gain? Today, we'll explore the relationship between vaping and calories, and whether certain components in e-cigarettes can lead to weight gain.
I. Mechanism Exploration: Possible Pathways of E-cigarette Effects on Weight
1. Nicotine Effects
We know that traditional cigarettes contain nicotine, which is believed to reduce appetite and increase metabolism. An animal study showed that after a male rat voluntarily ingested nicotine, it experienced a temporary decrease in weight and body fat, but its overall food intake did not decrease.
Therefore, some speculate that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes may only cause a short-term slowdown in weight gain and an increase in appetite, and this effect is not long-lasting.
2. The Relationship Between E-cigarettes and Calories
The main reason people suspect that e-cigarettes affect weight is that they contain propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). Although theoretically they should contain calories, the vapour inhaled each time is extremely small, and the calories produced are negligible. Therefore, they do not have a significant impact.
3. Behavioural Substitution and Appetite Induction
While vaping doesn't directly affect weight, indirect factors exist. For example, creamy, dessert, or fruity vape flavours can trigger cravings. Users may indulge in snacks while vaping, indirectly causing weight gain.
Some users switching from smoking may also compensate with eating due to boredom or habit replacement.
II. Research Evidence: Our Current Understanding
1. Research on E-cigarettes and Weight Changes
A study in the JMIR Journal of Public Health Surveillance showed that people using e-cigarettes (with or without nicotine) had minimal weight change over 12 weeks, roughly 0.56 kg. This does not prove that e-cigarettes influence weight control.
2. Effects of Nicotine on Metabolism
As mentioned above, the animal study showed reduced fat mass and slowed weight gain after nicotine intake. Nicotine may temporarily enhance fat metabolism but is not a stable weight-control method.
3. Research Summary
● E-cigarettes are not a primary cause of weight gain.
● Nicotine may temporarily suppress appetite, but long-term impact is minimal.
● Vape devices should not be used for weight control.
● Behavioural factors (snacking, cravings, etc.) remain the true cause of weight changes.
III. How to Interpret This Evidence
1. If you are an e-cigarette user
● Do not expect e-cigarettes to help you quit smoking long term.
● If you gain weight after vaping, habits—such as snacking—are likely the reason.
● Dessert-flavoured e-cigarettes may increase appetite.
2. If you plan to quit smoking or switch to e-cigarettes
● Quitting smoking may change your weight because nicotine affects metabolism and habitual behaviour.
● E-cigarettes cannot prevent weight gain.
● Balanced diet and exercise remain essential.
IV. Practical Strategies for Maintaining Weight
1. Choose low-sweetness vape juice
2. Monitor snacks and sugary drinks
3. Maintain regular exercise
4. Be aware of mouth-to-hand substitution habits
5. Monitor weight regularly
V. Conclusion
Vaping is not a direct cause of weight gain. Significant weight changes are more likely influenced by behaviour, diet, and activity levels.
Nicotine-containing vapes may temporarily affect appetite or metabolism, but are not reliable weight-control tools.
A healthy lifestyle—balanced diet, exercise, and avoiding sugary snacks—is the key to weight management.
This blog explores the relationship between vaping and calories, discussing the possible reasons behind weight gain and whether vaping can actually make you gain weight.
— Vapesourcing UK Blog:
https://vapesourcing.uk/blog/vaping-and-calories-does-vape-make-you-gain-weight.html
