Gaby
A study from Manchester Metropolitan University found that young people who vape are in just as poor physical shape as those who smoke regular cigarettes.
The study found that young vapers and cigarette smokers performed worse on physical tests than peers who neither vape nor smoke. The university team says the results challenge the common belief that vaping is a healthy alternative to smoking, the Daily Mail reported.
Vaping is Harmful!
The researchers enrolled 60 participants aged 20 to 30. One-third of the participants neither smoked nor vaped, another third had been vaping for at least two years, and the final third had been smoking regular cigarettes for two years or more.
All volunteers pedaled a stationary bike while resistance gradually increased. This test is considered the gold standard for assessing physical fitness. It shows how well the heart, lungs, and muscles handle rising demands.
Participants also had blood tests and ultrasound scans to evaluate artery function.
The study showed that non-vapers and non-smokers were in the best physical condition. Their maximum power output reached 226 watts with oxygen consumption of 3 liters per minute. Young vapers averaged a maximum power output of 186 watts with oxygen consumption of 2.71 liters per minute. Tobacco smokers averaged 182 watts with oxygen consumption of 2.6 liters per minute.
Blood tests and ultrasound scans indicated that both vapers and cigarette smokers showed signs of poorer blood vessel function than non-smokers.
Smokers and vapers reported more shortness of breath, greater leg fatigue, and higher blood lactate levels—a sign of muscle fatigue—even before reaching maximum exertion.
Dr. Azmi Faisal, the lead author of the study, presented the findings at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Vienna, noting, “Both smokers and vapers exhibited hyperventilation during the cycling exercise. They found it harder to breathe, their muscles fatigued more quickly, and overall, they were in worse shape.”
“Our research showed that vaping is no better than smoking,” Dr. Faisal emphasized.
Dr. Philippos Philippidis, a representative of the ERS Tobacco Control Committee and a public health lecturer at Imperial College London, pointed out, “Vapes are sold at low prices and in many flavors to attract young people. As a result, more young people are taking up the habit without understanding the long-term health consequences.”
