Does Vaping Make You Gain Weight?

If you're experiencing weight gain as a vaper, it's fair to ask 'Does vaping make you gain weight?'.

In this article, we cover how vaping affects your appetite, how you can maintain healthy weight levels, and whether vaping does have an effect on weight gain. So, let's get started...

Does vaping make you gain weight or increase appetite?

Vaping doesn't usually make you hungrier or lead directly to weight gain. If you do notice a change in appetite, it's usually the opposite. Research suggests the nicotine content acts as an appetite-suppressant, making you less likely to snack, and sometimes leading to slight weight loss over time. The nicotine also speeds up your metabolism to a small degree, meaning you burn through more calories throughout the day. If your goal is to lose weight though, we strongly advise against using vaping as your weight-loss method.

Do sweet flavours affect your appetite?

There is a small possibility, though it's unlikely. If you're someone who likes sweet candy, dessert or fizzy drink flavours, you could find yourself craving more sweet things in your daily life. If this is something you're worried about, then consider moving to more neutral flavours like menthol or tobacco.

Why do vapers notice appetite changes?

There could be a few reasons you're noticing an appetite change as a vaper. If you find that you're craving food more or are experiencing weight gain this can be linked to a range of factors like stress, a change in daily routines or lack of sleep. Here is a list of reasons that can affect your eating habits:

• Dehydration - Sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger, making vapers want to eat more. 
• Stress - Going through a stressful time can play majorly with your diet. You may find yourself craving high-calorie 'comfort foods' as a way to manage and boost your mood.
• High-calorie Diet - Fatty or sugary foods can quickly become addictive. If these become a common part of your diet, you will probably find yourself gaining weight over time.
• Lack of Sleep - If you find yourself getting less sleep, this can create an increase in the hunger hormone, leaving you feeling more hungry than usual.
  

How can I maintain a healthy weight while vaping?

If you're concerned about your weight, there are things you can do to take to keep your weight down while living a healthy lifestyle. Simple things like a daily walk or drinking water can do great things for your weight while making you feel good in the process...

• Stay Hydrated - Having a regular glass of water during the day will help suppress your appetite while keeping you healthy and hydrated.
• Eat Low-calorie Snacks - By replacing high-calorie snacks with low-calorie ones like fruit and nuts, you can satisfy those hunger pangs in a healthy way.
• Take Regular Exercise - This goes without saying really, but something as simple as a walk in the park will burn off more calories than you realise. Try and do this daily or as often as you can.
• Avoid Sweet Vape Flavours - Candy, dessert or fizzy drink flavours may have you craving sugar more than usual. If this is the case, try switching to menthol or tobacco flavours.
• Get Good Sleep - By not getting the hours in, you may notice yourself feeling hungrier throughout the day. Try to aim for 7-9 hours' sleep every night.
• Avoid Mindless Snacking - This can lead to weight gain quicker than you think. If you find yourself reaching for food more, have a glass of water first or consider low-calorie snacks like fruit or unsalted nuts.

Can quitting smoking or vaping cause weight gain?

Yes, some people do gain a little weight when quitting smoking or vaping. It's totally normal to feel hungrier and find yourself eating more during the first few weeks. As your body adjusts to life without nicotine, your natural appetite and sense of taste come back, making food more appealing. But this isn't something to worry about - the food cravings are usually temporary and will settle over time.

If you're worried about weight gain after quitting, follow the steps in the section above.

Is weight gain permanent after quitting smoking or vaping?

Not usually. In the early months of quitting smoking or vaping, you could find yourself gaining a little more weight, but this is something that can be controlled with a healthy lifestyle. Some quitters even find themselves losing weight within a year of quitting. In the first few months, you could find yourself snacking more than before, but once your body adjusts to life without nicotine, this will normally settle and food cravings will be easier to manage. 

Conclusion - Does Vaping Make You Gain Weight?

Vaping can lead to some clear changes in appetite. But when it comes to the question 'Does vaping make you gain weight?', technically no, vaping doesn't lead to weight gain. The nicotine in vapes usually creates a slight loss in appetite, making you less likely to snack throughout the day. 

Weight gain is normally linked to lifestyle changes, a lack of exercise or a change in eating habits, not vaping itself - so this isn't something you should worry about.

You may also like: 'Do Vapes Contain Calories?' | 'What Happens When You Quit Smoking and Start Vaping?'