Vapers and smokers have the same lower exercise capacity, according to a new study in the U.K.
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A new study in the U.K. has found that vapers and smokers aged 18 to 30 have similar reduced fitness levels and increased breathlessness during exercise
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Researchers observed a 15% decrease in fitness and harmful changes to blood vessels and lung efficiency in both groups
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The findings support stricter vaping regulations in relation to the U.K.’s Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, targeting young adults
A new study in the U.K. has determined that young people who vape or smoke have similar reduced fitness levels compared to non-vapers and non-smokers.
Vapers and smokers aged 18 to 30 have the same decreased exercise capacity with increased levels of breathlessness, according to a study led by the Manchester Metropolitan University and published in the ERJ Open Research journal on Tuesday, July 14.
“In active, healthy young adults with normal lungs, both vapes, and tobacco smoking led to worsened exercise capacity, shortness of breath, and intense leg fatigue,” said Dr. Azmy Faisal, Senior Lecturer in Cardiorespiratory Physiology in MMU’s Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences.
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“Like smoking, our research indicates that vaping can lead to harmful changes to the blood vessels, lung efficiency during exercise and approximately a 15% reduction in fitness compared to those who have never smoked or vaped,” he explained.
A total of 75 people aged 18 to 30 were examined: a third had never smoked or vaped, a third were smokers but never vaped and a third were vapers for approximately three years but never smoked.
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“All participants had normal resting lung function and similar lifestyles, including caffeine and alcohol consumption, and physical activity levels,” the study said. The volunteers underwent an “incremental cycle exercise test” and their heart, breathing and blood lactate rates were measured at each stage “until they reached their maximum.”
Test results showed that both vaping and smoking groups had significantly reduced fitness levels and oxygen uptake by approximately 15%, according to the study.
Ultrasound scans and blood tests were also taken to determine the participants’ blood levels. The results showed signs of inflammation in the blood vessels, suggesting vapers and smokers were affected similarly during exercise.
The lung efficiency in both groups “diminished,” and their lactic acid accumulated more quickly at all levels of exercise, “resulting in increased breathlessness and leg discomfort compared to the group who had never smoked or vaped,” per the study.
“These findings provide critical information for the general public, healthcare providers, and regulatory authorities regarding potential early risks associated with vape use, particularly for the growing number of young adults who have never smoked but choose to use these products,” Dr. Faisal said.
“Additionally, our study supports the U.K.’s Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, which prohibits vaping for individuals under 18 among young adults in the future,” he added.
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