Vaping ‘reduces fitness in the young as much as smoking’
Vaping ‘reduces fitness in the young as much as smoking’
Vaping ‘reduces fitness in the young as much as smoking’
Healthy young adults who regularly use e-cigarettes suffer from breathlessness, reduced exercise capacity, and blood vessel damage similar to those who smoke traditional cigarettes, according to research from Manchester Metropolitan University.
The study found that vapers and smokers experienced a reduction in fitness of approximately 15% compared to individuals who have never used either product.
Lead author Dr Azmy Faisal stated that in active, healthy young adults with normal lungs, both habits led to worsened exercise capacity, shortness of breath, and intense leg fatigue
.
Study Methodology and Results
Researchers examined 75 people aged 18-30, divided into three equal groups: those who had never smoked or vaped, cigarette smokers, and vapers who had used the products for approximately 3 years. All groups maintained similar lifestyles regarding physical activity and the consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
Participants underwent incremental exercise tests on a stationary bike, with difficulty increasing until they reached their maximum. Researchers monitored heart and breathing responses, oxygen uptake, and blood lactate levels. Artery function was evaluated via blood tests and ultrasound scans.
The findings showed that vapers and smokers performed almost identically across nearly every test. Both groups reached their peak exercise ability sooner and showed a diminished ability to blow out carbon dioxide. Blood tests and ultrasounds revealed inflammation and reduced performance in the blood vessels.
Comparative performance metrics recorded during the tests include:
| Group | Peak Exercise Capacity (Watts) | Oxygen Consumption (Litres per minute) |
|---|---|---|
| Non-smokers/Non-vapers | 226 | 3 |
| Vapers | 186 | 2.7 |
| Smokers | 182 | 2.6 |
Public Health Implications
The results challenge the perception of vaping as a harmless alternative. Dr Faisal noted that the findings provide critical information for healthcare providers and regulatory authorities, especially for young adults who have never smoked but choose to vape.
Dr Stamatoula Tsikrika of the ERS expert group on tobacco, smoking control and health education warned that vaping is becoming a normalised behaviour
and a gateway to nicotine addiction
. While vapes may contain fewer cancer-causing substances than cigarettes, she noted they can still trigger inflammation and DNA damage linked to lung cancer risk.
The findings align with the UK’s Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, which prohibits vaping for individuals under 18.
Medical Context and Next Steps
NHS guidance maintains that vaping is less harmful than smoking
but admits it is not completely harmless
and that long-term effects remain unknown.
The Manchester Metropolitan University team is now planning a series of MRI studies to investigate the underlying mechanisms in the heart, lungs, and skeletal muscles that lead to lower fitness levels.
