Does Vaping Make You Gain Weight or Lose Weight

The world of vaping often leads to a plethora of questions, and one query we’ve heard quite frequently is, “Will vaping make you gain weight?” Some vapers report weight gain after they start vaping, leading to numerous debates. We aim to set the record straight, delving deep into the ingredients of e-liquids, their effects on appetite and weight, and whether they’re linked to weight gain.

E-liquid Mystery: What’s Inside?

E-liquids are the lifeblood of any vaping device. These liquids, also known as vape juice or vape liquid, contain several ingredients – Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerine (VG), nicotine, and flavourings. Let’s explore these components and their respective roles.

Propylene Glycol (PG)

PG is the main carrier of the flavour in e-liquids. It effectively replicates the throat hit experienced by smokers, making it a favourable choice for new vapers transitioning from smoking. E-liquids with high PG content are thinner, but they may not be compatible with high-power devices due to the risk of leaking in low resistance coils.

Vegetable Glycerine (VG)

VG is the key player in producing vapour. E-liquids with a high VG ratio are thicker and produce a more significant amount of vapour, especially when used in high-powered vaping devices or sub-ohm coils. However, the thickness of high VG liquids may lead to quicker burnout in low-power devices, as the e-liquid might not be absorbed fast enough.

Nicotine

Nicotine, a stimulant similar to caffeine, is the prime reason most people vape. Vaping has emerged as one of the most efficient nicotine replacement methods.

Flavourings

Flavourings add that extra zest to the vaping experience. They give e-liquids their unique and varied flavours, from fruity to minty and everything in between.

Additional Ingredients

Beyond these core components, some e-liquids may contain colorants and sweeteners to enhance the visual appeal and taste. While they’re generally harmless to vapers, they can impact the lifespan of your coil.

Banned Ingredients

For those in the UK, rest easy knowing that e-liquids conform to the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR). Hence, harmful ingredients like vitamin E acetate and diacetyl – associated with vaping-related deaths in the US and popcorn lung, respectively – are not found in your vape juice.

Read More:
What is VG and PG and How to Use them

Nicotine and Appetite

Nicotine in high amounts can suppress your appetite and accelerate your metabolism. Moreover, smoking increases heart rate and impacts insulin production, often leading to weight loss in smokers. Vaping, particularly with high-strength e-liquids such as nic salts, can also affect your appetite but usually when consumed in large quantities.

Once you stop smoking, your taste buds recuperate, meaning you might find yourself eating more due to the newfound joy of tasting food again.

Do E-liquids Contain Calories?

While e-liquids do contain calories, it’s a negligible amount. You can expect around 30-50 calories per bottle of e-liquid, a minuscule fraction of your daily caloric intake. However, this only applies if you were to consume the liquid orally, which you should absolutely NOT do!

Read More:
Everything You Need to Know About Nicotine

Can Vaping Cause Weight Gain?

Now to answer the burning question – can vaping lead to weight gain? The answer is that while transitioning to vaping may result in gaining a few pounds, this isn’t due to any caloric content in the e-liquid. It’s more likely due to the return of your suppressed appetite from smoking and the increased enjoyment of food. The key takeaway here is moderation. As long as you keep your eating habits in check, you should be fine.

FAQs

1. What’s in e-liquids?
   E-liquids typically contain Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerine (VG), nicotine, and flavourings. Some may also include colorants and sweeteners.
2. Can vaping affect my appetite?
   Yes, high-strength e-liquids can affect your appetite, especially if vaped in large quantities. However, this also coincides with the recovery of your taste buds after quitting smoking.
3. Do e-liquids contain calories?
   Yes, e-liquids contain a small number of calories. However, the amount is so negligible that it wouldn’t significantly contribute to your daily caloric intake.
4. Will I gain weight if I start vaping?
   Switching to vaping may result in a slight weight gain, not because of the e-liquid’s caloric content, but more due to the return of your appetite that was previously suppressed by smoking.
5. What can I do to prevent weight gain when starting to vape?
   Moderation is key. Pay attention to your eating habits, and remember that enjoying food is perfectly fine as long as it’s in moderation.