How does vaping help fight obesity problems? Here's what experts say

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More and more people are using e-cigarettes these days. Although it had been questioned on its effect on the user's health, a new study suggests that vaping could be used as a way to fight against obesity.

Researchers are saying that vaping is the latest weapon in the battle of the bulge. They claim that the use of e-cigarettes could stave off food cravings, which could reduce a person's appetite. A Massey University research suggests that former smokers gain at least 4.7 kilograms 12 months after they quit smoking.

"Vaping's use of e-liquids with food flavors, along with the mouth-feel and aroma of the vapor, could play a role in helping people to eat less," Associate Professor Marewa Glover from Massey's School of Public Health.

"If there is a chance that flavored vaping could help even a small proportion of people reduce diabetes, cardiovascular and cancer risks associated with excess weight, the population health gains would be significant," he added.

According to Stuff, although nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) can help to control weight gain and help smokers to quit, researchers found that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes might be a better option.

"People can change their nicotine content, so to quit smoking they might start off on a higher strength e-liquid and then they can taper down really quite gradually in a much more sophisticated way than they can with NRT, which is probably good for weight maintenance and for weight loss," said co-author Linda Bauld. Blaud is a professor of health policy at the University of Stirling and deputy director of the UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies.

The huge range of e-liquids available, she adds, could also help prevent snacking particularly,  given the number of sweet and fruit flavors on offer. The authors observed that a decrease in the prevalence of smoking is one of the factors that have been associated with increased rate of obesity. This simply means the new ways to manage weight gain can come in handy.

Published in the journal Nicotine and Tobacco Research by scientists from New Zealand and Stirling, the paper studied a range of studies about the effect of nicotine on the body and the relationships between aroma, taste and flavor and the feeling of fullness. It shows that e-cigarettes have potential in managing weight gain among smokers trying to kick the habit, reported The Guardian.

The authors claim that e-cigarettes, with their countless flavors, could potentially help curb cravings for certain foods. What's more, the study suggests that the physical processes involved in filling an e-cigarette could reduce the urge to eat.

"You are re-filling the e-liquids, you might be mixing your own liquids, you are trying different flavors, you are doing things with your hands that take up time which means maybe you are not reaching for the bowl of M&Ms," said Bauld.

Despite noting concerns raised by some around the safety of long-term e-cigarette use, Bauld says the research points to the benefits of using nicotine-containing products for smokers planning to quit.