Key Takeaways
- Uncover the definition of vaping, how it works, and its composition to have a general idea of whether those ingredients contain calories.
- “Does vaping have calories?” or “How many calories are in a vape?” are two popular questions among those who keep track of their calorie intake as part of a diet or on a weight-loss program. Scroll down to get the answer!
- Generally, we are all becoming more concerned about our overall health, and controlling our waistlines is an important part of that strategy. Yet, vaping has a significant impact on your weight and health.
What Is Vaping? How Does It Work?
Vaping is the process of inhaling and exhaling vapor produced by a vape. It is an electrical device that contains a battery, a coil, an e-liquid tank, or a pod, as well as a small LCD screen that displays battery levels and other relevant information. The battery generates power to heat the coil and evaporate the e-liquid in the tank. The user then inhales the vaporized vape juice through the mouthpiece.
There are many types of vapes, such as disposable vapes and refillable vape pens.
E-Liquid and Its Composition
E-liquid, often known as flavored vape juice or vape liquid, is a term used to describe weed concentrates or liquids containing flavored nicotine. The heat generated by the vape's coil vaporizes the e-liquid, resulting in a vapor that the user inhales. (Related: How to inhale a vape?)
Nicotine-based e-liquids typically contain vegetable glycerin (VG), propylene glycol (PG), artificial flavors, and the main component, nicotine or nicotine salts. The ingredients in e-liquid may be in varying ratios, and each composition modifies the vaping experience. With changes in throat hit, vapor clouds, nicotine strength, and e-liquid thickness.
Propylene Glycol (PG)
E-liquid and its composition. Source: Innokin
Propylene glycol is one of the two diluents in e-liquid. It is a transparent, viscous fluid with no scent and a faint sweetness. Its purpose is to dilute the e-liquid so that it may be more easily passed through your vape tank and coil.
PG in vape juice amplifies tastes and leaves a distinct aftertaste at the back of your throat. It is not only used in e-liquid. PG is also used in a variety of items, including whipped dairy products, liquid sweeteners, and face creams.
Vegetable Glycerine (VG)
Vegetable glycerin (VG), like PG, is a non-toxic liquid that is colorless and odorless. It is the second diluent in e-liquid, and it gives the juice a thicker viscosity. VG is distinguished from PG by its dense and viscous consistency, which is why high VG vape juices are too thick for older types of atomizers.
VG in vape juice produces big clouds of vapor and is easy on the throat. Besides, it provides less taste intensity. Its sweetness makes the finished product taste more sugary than PG.
However, the disadvantages are that it causes gunk accumulation on the coil and requires more power to achieve the appropriate temperature for vaping.
Nicotine
Most vape liquids contain nicotine as a component. It is obtained from tobacco plants or synthetic sources. Nicotine enhances the flavor of vaporizers without using tobacco leaves. Yet, it is inherently addictive.
E-juice has varied nicotine levels. Nicotine in vape juice is measured in milligrams or as a percentage of volume. For example, 3 mg per gram of nicotine is 0.3% nicotine. The level of nicotine in vape juice should be indicated correctly.
It is worth noting that the higher the nicotine strength, the more nicotine you will get with each puff on your e-cigarette.
Read more: How much nicotine is in a Lost Mary vape?
Do Vapes Have Calories?
Vapes do contain calories, but only in small amounts that are deemed negligible. The bulk of vape juice is composed of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), with additional flavorings and nicotine.
Does vaping have calories? Source: Clear Behavioral Health
While you'd assume sweet-tasting flavorings would add a lot of calories, they really contain very little sugar. Flavorings and sweeteners included in vape juices are typically calorie-free, while some manufacturers may utilize sugar rather than sweeteners, leading to a higher calorie count.
On the other hand, according to the American Diabetes Association, glycerin has around 4.32 calories per gram. Meanwhile, propylene glycol (PG)also contains about 4 calories per ml. So, how many calories are in a vape? You may anticipate 4-5 calories per gram of e-liquid consumed.
The Impact of Nicotine on Weight
Does vaping have calories? The answer is yes. Although the calorie content of vape juice is low, the presence of nicotine can have an impact on weight control. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance contained in some vape liquids. It is known to influence metabolism and appetite, raising the question of “Do vapes have calories?”.
When nicotine enters the body, it can serve as an appetite suppressant, decreasing sensations of hunger. This effect happens because nicotine alters the brain's reward system, causing the release of dopamine, which can temporarily reduce a feeling of hunger.
In addition, many of us have an oral fixation. It means that even when we are not hungry, we are addicted to the process of putting something in our mouth, such as a snack. Given this, vaping can help control this tendency by providing an alternative to food products.
The impact of nicotine on weight. Source: The Atlantic
Does vaping burn calories? Minor activities such as breathing, lifting your hand, or vaping will always burn a small number of calories due to the energy expended throughout the process. Despite that, it is insignificant and insufficient to be used as a calorie burner or weight loss strategy.
It is important to note that the effects of nicotine on weight might differ from person to person. Certain people may report a decrease in appetite after using nicotine-containing vape liquids, which might contribute to weight loss. Yet, it is critical to proceed with caution and not rely only on vaping as a weight loss method. Nicotine is highly addictive and may result in certain negative health consequences.
Side Effects of Vaping/Nicotine on Health
People often believe that vaping is "safer" than smoking; however, this is not true. The risks of vaping include lung and other organ damage, breathing issues, and more.
1. Respiratory Issues
When vaping, the compounds in e-cigarette aerosol, such as propylene glycol, glycerin, and flavoring ingredients, can irritate the lungs. Even after only a few uses, this irritation frequently causes wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Many people can experience a tight chest or trouble breathing after only a few vaping sessions.
Individuals with pre-existing lung problems, like asthma, may experience more severe symptoms and require medical attention.
Vaping may cause respiratory issues. Source: Science
In fact, a 2018 research evaluated the lung function of 10 adults who had never smoked cigarettes right after vaping fluids, with or without nicotine. The researchers identified that vaping, both with and without nicotine, impairs normal lung function in otherwise healthy individuals.
2. Gum Disease and Dental Issues
Nicotine constricts the blood vessels in the gums, limiting the supply of blood to the tissues that support the teeth. This decrease in blood flow can cause gum recession, leaving the teeth more susceptible to decay and infection.
According to a 2016 study, vaping is connected with gum inflammation, which is a known risk factor for periodontal disease.
Furthermore, the chemicals in e-cigarettes may cause dry mouth. Consistent vaping can cause major oral health issues, such as tooth loss, gum disease, and an increased risk of cavities.
3. Heart Attack and Stroke
Research found that those who used e-cigarettes at any time were 19% more likely to have heart failure than those who never used e-cigarettes.
In reality, vaping causes cholesterol deposits in arteries to grow more unstable over time, increasing the likelihood of rupture. When this occurs, clots can develop in blood vessels, potentially resulting to a heart attack or stroke.
Nicotine and other substances in the vaping fluid (acrolein) can produce arterial stiffness, which is a risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. Besides, the liquid solution's added preservatives, additives, and organic substances impair normal clotting function nearly immediately after vaping.
4. Brain Development
Adolescents are especially susceptible to the negative effects of nicotine since their brains are still developing. Nicotine use during this key period can affect how brain circuits develop, particularly those related to attention, learning, and impulse control. This can cause long-term cognitive deficiencies and a higher risk of mood disorders, such as anxiety and sadness.
Vaping affects brain development. Source: Yale News
Young kids who vape are also more likely to develop addictions to other drugs. This is because early nicotine exposure can make the brain more vulnerable to other addictive habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Many Calories Are In A Vape?
Regarding do vapes have calories, it is worth noting that vape juice includes about 4- 5 calories per milliliter. For instance, a regular 30ml bottle of e-liquid contains around 150 calories. This is a modest amount when compared to common food and drinks.
Yet, since vaping is inhaled rather than ingested, the body handles it differently. The quantity of VG evaporated is usually quite small, and any trace calories are probably negligible.
2. Does Vaping Make You Lose Weight?
Vaping habits and nicotine-containing vapes may help minimize weight gain. Nicotine is an appetite suppressant; therefore, smoking nicotine-containing vapes may make people feel less hungry. This could help you lose weight.
Furthermore, the hand-to-mouth movement of vaping may engage people and divert them from their usual eating routines, thus influencing how much food they ingest.
3. Can Vaping Make You Gain Weight?
Vaping does not immediately cause weight gain. In fact, nicotine, a component of e-liquids, works as an appetite suppressant by increasing metabolic rate. It indicates your body burns calories quickly when resting and during activity.
Furthermore, nicotine causes the brain to release neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. They have appetite-suppressing effects and can help you lose weight rather than gain it.
Still, when people stop smoking or vaping, they may develop an increased hunger and cravings, which can contribute to weight gain.