Health scientists have warned that there is a "concerning" link between vape bars and eating disorders, particularly amongst young women who are using disposable vape bars as an appetite suppressant.
According to the experts, young women and teenage girls are turning to nicotine replacement products, which are often flavoured, to avoid eating – something which scientists fear will have long-term health effects.
"We certainly need to be vigilant in relation to this," said Linda Bauld, professor of public health at Edinburgh University who has been researching the link between e-cigarettes and weight loss/gain in adults. "Nicotine is an appetite suppressant and also raises the metabolic rate."
The expert continued: "Obviously, this is very concerning if it is linked to eating disorders. What we found in our study was these were smokers – which is a different group – who had switched to vaping."
Although vape shops and online stores in the UK are prohibited from selling e-cigarettes to anyone under the age of 18, Prof Bauld stresses that "we need to keep these products away from young people."
"There is certainly evidence [that] young people are using them and these are not products for non-smokers or children – that’s why we have an age of sale," she continued. "But young people manage to get around that in the same way they do for cigarettes."
Everyone's clicking on...
"Vaping products are age-restricted for good reason as they can be highly addictive, and many include toxic chemicals that have not been safety tested and could damage health over time," adds Sheila Duffy, chief executive of anti-smoking organisation Ash Scotland, who spoke to The Scottish Sun. "This is especially a danger for children and young people, as their lungs are still growing."
So, what's the solution?
"We need to ensure we enforce the policies we have now," advises Prof Bauld, also pointing out that: "Schools need to be aware of it and retailers need to make sure they are not getting into the hands of children."
Sadly, using nicotine products as an appetite suppressant isn't a new trend and it's something we've seen being used throughout the decades as a means of losing weight. But, it comes with huge health costs. Hopefully now, with the right education – and thanks to the body confidence movement encouraging us to love the skin we're in – perhaps we can finally put an end to the cycle.
If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s health, you can contactBeat, the UK’s eating disorder charity, 365 days a year on 0808 801 0677 or beateatingdisorders.org.uk.
