A frequent question posed by those who vape is, ‘Does my vape intake contribute to my calorie count?’. There has been a noticeable uptick in health awareness in recent years, prompting many individuals to monitor their weight vigilantly. This can largely be attributed to the rise in awareness and the greater significance of maintaining overall health in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Given that many e-liquids, notably high-VG or shortfill variants, have a sweet flavour, it is reasonable to query their calorie content. EDGE Vaping explores the calorie contents within e-liquids, detailing the quantities present and their potential impacts.
Do e-liquids contain calories?
To put it succinctly, vapes do contain calories, but in virtually negligible amounts. Studies examining the differing effects of vaping and smoking on weight control suggest that nicotine is the main agent responsible for any potential fluctuations, not the flavouring or calorie content of these substances.
Our bodies are instinctively wired to seek sustenance when hunger arises, rewarding the act of eating with a dopamine rush. Nicotine serves as an appetite suppressor by modifying our brain’s reward system.
Nicotine absorption may provoke a similar dopamine surge, disturbing regular bodily functions. When hunger calls, smoking or vaping can initiate this dopamine release, tricking our bodies into thinking we have consumed food, hence suppressing hunger. Therefore, sustained smoking or vaping could theoretically result in weight reduction.
This explains why those who quit smoking or vaping may experience an increased appetite for a period, as the dopamine that suppresses hunger sensations is purged from their system, leading them to consume more. Many individuals attempting to stop smoking find themselves gaining between five and 10 pounds.
How many calories does a typical vape contain?
The main concern about e-liquid calorie content usually revolves around the fear of gaining weight rather than losing it. Despite their sweetness, the vast majority of vape juices pose no substantial threat to your dietary regimen.
The two primary constituents in any e-liquid, vegetable glycerol (VG) and propylene glycol (PG), are thought to contain approximately four calories per ml. Additionally, flavourings and sweeteners added to vapes are generally calorie-free, although this can vary if the manufacturer chooses to use sugar instead of sweeteners, leading to a higher caloric count.
Do the calories in vapes matter?
According to the available evidence, the calories found in vapes seem to have a trivial impact on a vaper’s weight. Considering that an average bottle of e-liquid contains around 30-50 calories at the upper limit, these are likely to be burnt off through regular daily activities, rather than contributing to weight gain.
If you have concerns related to health or diet, it’s recommended that you seek advice from your doctor or a healthcare professional who can provide the most suitable guidance for your personal dietary requirements.
For those who have never smoked or vaped before, it’s crucial to stress that nicotine should not be used as a means to manage weight. Nicotine is highly addictive, and vaping should only be considered as a harm reduction strategy for those aiming to quit using tobacco.
