One of the number one concerns that put many off quitting smoking is the belief that they will gain weight. After all, it’s true that when you smoke, you suppress your appetite because of nicotine. Consuming less food means less calorie intake. Food with high sugar and fat content is stored in the body and if not released through exercise or a reduction in calorie intake, can lead to weight gain.
Therefore, vapers and potential vapers are curious to understand whether e-liquids contain calories and can contribute towards that excess fat.
In this article, we will delve into the relationship between calories and vaping, exploring the studies conducted, expert opinions, and the impact of vaping on your waistline.
Understanding Calories and Their Role in Weight Management
Calories are a measure of energy, and our bodies require a certain number of calories to function properly. When we consume more calories than our bodies need, the excess is stored as fat, leading to weight gain. On the other hand, if we consume fewer calories than we burn, our body taps into its fat stores for energy, resulting in weight loss.
It's important to note that the source of calories also matters. Different foods and beverages contain varying amounts of calories. For example, one gram of carbohydrates or protein contains four calories, while one gram of fat contains nine calories. Therefore, the composition of your diet plays a significant role in your overall calorie intake.
The Truth About Calories in Vape Liquids
The vaping industry gets a lot of bad press for all the wrong reasons. From it being a gateway to smoking to passive vapour being harmful, there are many myths out there, which are not true.
Because of the sweet flavours in e-liquids, the tempting flavours such as watermelon or dessert flavours like apple crumble, the amount of calories in e-liquids is minimal.
You’re looking at no more than 50 calories in a 10ml bottle containing nicotine, which should last at least a few days depending on the frequency you vape.
Key ingredients PG and VG are calorie-free substances commonly used in the food industry. They are considered safe for consumption and do not contribute any calories to your diet. There will only be a minor amount of nicotine and various flavourings.
Common Misconceptions About Calories and Vaping
As perception is frequently dictated by the media, and there is a clear agenda against vaping compared to smoking, misconceptions about calories are created. Naturally like with cigarettes, because both contain nicotine, it can act as a weight suppressant as you desire food less often.
Research suggests that the act of vaping may stimulate the taste buds, which is natural after cigarettes including tobacco kill the senses. This sensory experience can trigger food cravings, leading to an increased desire to eat. However, in most cases, it just leads to reaching for a vape again as the flavour profile replaces the urge for food.
What vaping does do is offer a like-for-like replacement for cigarettes. That hand-to-mouth action is important in your smoking quit attempt because you’re swapping one habit for another without the thousands of dangerous toxins. And let’s not forget that cigarettes although suppressing appetite do still contain roughly one spoonful of sugar per stick.
It's essential to differentiate between the act of vaping and the potential lifestyle changes that may accompany it. Vaping itself does not inherently lead to weight gain; rather, it is the individual's choices and behaviours that determine the impact on calorie intake and weight management.
Does Vaping Affect Metabolism and Calorie Burning?
Another aspect to consider when exploring the relationship between vaping and calories is the potential impact on metabolism and calorie burning. Some individuals claim that vaping can increase metabolism, leading to a higher calorie burn rate. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim.
Nicotine, present in some vape liquids, has been shown to have a slight metabolic effect. It can temporarily increase heart rate and blood pressure, which may slightly elevate calorie expenditure. However, the impact is minimal and not significant enough to rely on vaping as a weight-loss strategy.
Plus, the effects of nicotine on metabolism vary among individuals. Some may experience a slight increase in calorie burning, while others may not notice any significant changes. It's crucial to recognize that relying on vaping as a means to burn calories is not a sustainable or effective weight management strategy. Instead, focus on adopting a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity to support a healthy metabolism and calorie burn.
The Potential Risks of Excessive Calorie Intake Through Vaping
While the calorie content of vape liquids is negligible, excessive calorie intake can still occur indirectly through vaping. Some individuals may indulge in high-calorie snacks or beverages while vaping, leading to an overall increase in calorie consumption.
Vaping can create a false sense of satisfaction, leading individuals to neglect their dietary choices. Instead of focusing on nourishing their bodies with nutrient-dense foods, they may rely on vaping as a substitute for healthy eating habits. This can result in a nutrient deficiency and an unbalanced diet, which can have long-term health consequences.
A viable solution if you feel like you’re not getting the right food groups and instead vaping too frequently is to try to drop your nicotine levels and try a flavourless e-liquid that doesn’t contain the sweet extras, which are higher in calories and much more addictive.
Final Thoughts
While it’s noted that vaping can include a few calories per bottle, it’s roughly the same as one bite of chocolate. Therefore, it’s not an excessive amount. However, we should stress that it’s not a ‘cheat meal’ trick to lose weight or contributes to weight gain. Most importantly, it’s about adopting the correct diet, dropping your nicotine levels and eventually removing smoking and vaping from your life to lead a healthier one.
To manage calorie intake while vaping, it's important to adopt a balanced diet, practice portion control, and engage in regular physical activity. Focus on overall health and well-being, rather than relying on vaping as a weight loss tool. By making informed choices and prioritizing a healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy the benefits of vaping while maintaining a healthy weight.