Vaping or smoking cuts young people’s fitness by 15%

A recent study published in ERJ Open Research highlights significant cardiovascular and respiratory impairments in young adults who vape or smoke tobacco cigarettes. Conducted by researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK, the investigation reveals that both vaping and smoking contribute to diminished exercise capacity and vascular function, even in otherwise healthy individuals.

Dr. Azmy Faisal, who led the study, explained that young adults with normal lung function exhibited reduced fitness levels by approximately 15% when engaging in either vaping or tobacco smoking. The participants experienced increased shortness of breath and pronounced leg fatigue during exercise. These symptoms were linked to compromised blood vessel health and less efficient pulmonary gas exchange, indicating that vaping and smoking may provoke parallel physiological damage.

The study enrolled 75 participants aged 18 to 30, divided equally into three groups: never-users of tobacco or e-cigarettes, exclusive smokers, and exclusive vapers with around three years of experience. Baseline lung function was normal and lifestyles were comparable across groups in terms of physical activity and substance intake, discounting confounding lifestyle factors.

Volunteers underwent incremental cycle exercise tests with continuous monitoring of heart rate, ventilation, oxygen uptake, and blood lactate accumulation, progressing to maximal exertion. Ultrasound imaging and blood assays assessed endothelial inflammation and arterial function. Results showed that both smokers and vapers had lower peak oxygen uptake and exercise endurance compared to never-users. Impaired clearance of carbon dioxide and accelerated lactic acid buildup were observed at submaximal workloads, correlating with increased breathlessness and limb discomfort.

Ultrasound and inflammatory markers suggested vascular endothelial dysfunction, a precursor to cardiovascular disease. These findings imply that the harmful effects traditionally attributed to tobacco smoking on vascular and respiratory systems may be similarly induced by prolonged vaping, challenging perceptions of e-cigarettes as a safer alternative.

Dr. Faisal emphasized the public health implications, particularly with growing vape usage among young adults who have never smoked. The study supports regulatory measures like the UK’s Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, which restricts access to nicotine products for those under 18, aiming to curb early exposure and long-term health consequences.

Looking ahead, the research team plans advanced MRI investigations to explore the mechanistic underpinnings of the observed fitness deficits, focusing on the heart, lungs, and skeletal muscle response to vaping-related stress.

Commenting on the study, Dr. Stamatoula Tsikrika of the European Respiratory Society highlighted the rising normalization of vaping and its role as a potential gateway to nicotine addiction. She underscored concerns regarding genetic damage and lung cancer risks linked to vaping-related inflammation and called for robust policy actions to protect vulnerable populations.

This cutting-edge research contributes crucial evidence to the ongoing debate about vaping safety, underscoring that while e-cigarettes may reduce exposure to some carcinogens, they nevertheless trigger physiological changes that compromise cardiovascular and pulmonary health in young adults.