Obesity in quitting smokers

E-CIGARETTES could be used to fight obesity in smokers who are trying to quit, according to new research.

A review of existing research has found that nicotine can help people control their weight as it can have an inhibitory effect on appetite.

Now experts at the University of Stirling believe that e-cigarettes with food flavourings may actually replace some sensations of eating.

They also believe that the hand-to-mouth action of vaping could help smokers trying to quit the habit to ignore their cravings for food.

Linda Bauld, professor of health policy at the university and deputy director of the UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, has been at the forefront of the review.

She said: “This review sets out an initial research agenda for how e-cigarettes could play a part in helping people who smoke or vape control their weight – particularly if they are trying to stop smoking.

“Weight gain prevents some smokers from quitting so we need to explore alternative ways of helping these individuals control their weight

“The benefits of e-cigarettes for smokers have been shown to far outweigh the harms, as vaping carries around five per cent of the risk of smoking.

“However, this paper is not suggesting that we should promote e-cigarettes to non-smokers or non-vapers for weight management.

“Our health-care systems are currently struggling to cope with chronic conditions caused by obesity and smoking.

“Even controversial approaches that could contribute to addressing this are worth investigating.”