Could Vaping be a New Weapon in the Battle of the Bulge?

Nicotine Tob Res. 2017 Nov 7;19(12):1536-1540. doi: 10.1093/ntr/ntw278.

Abstract

Obesity is set to overtake tobacco smoking in many countries as the primary cause of several high-cost diseases. Tobacco smoking mitigates weight gain through nicotine's effect on the brain and metabolism. Smoking, however, is associated with many illnesses and premature death and appropriately has been discouraged leading to declining prevalence rates. This article explores the emerging perception that vaping electronic cigarettes with nicotine and flavors could deliver similar appetite and weight control effects as smoking. The potential to reduce risks associated with excess weight deserves exploration. An initial research agenda is suggested.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems* / methods
  • Flavoring Agents / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Nicotine / administration & dosage*
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Obesity / therapy*
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Smoking / trends
  • Smoking Cessation
  • Smoking Prevention
  • Vaping / statistics & numerical data
  • Vaping / trends*
  • Weight Gain / drug effects
  • Weight Gain / physiology
  • Weight Loss / drug effects
  • Weight Loss / physiology

Substances

  • Flavoring Agents
  • Nicotine