- Smokers who switch to vapes or heated tobacco products see major fitness gains
- Aerobic fitness improves within just four weeks of switching, with significant gains seen after 12 weeks
- Those who keep smoking show no fitness improvement
- Experts say switching could offer big health benefits for smokers
Smokers who switch to vapes or heated tobacco products (HTPs) can significantly boost their fitness levels in just 12 weeks, new research has found.
The study, published in Scientific Reports, tracked the aerobic fitness of smokers over a 12-week period. Researchers looked at ‘VO₂max’, a technical term for the maximum amount of oxygen the body can use during exercise, which is widely seen as a key indicator of heart and lung health.
Fitness improved significantly in 12 weeks
The results were striking: smokers who completely switched to vaping or heated tobacco saw their VO₂ max scores jump significantly. For vapers, fitness levels rose from an average of 38.4 to 41.4 ml/kg/min- a meaningful improvement in just 12 weeks. HTP users saw similar gains.
In contrast, smokers who kept up their regular cigarette habit saw no improvement at all. Even those who reduced smoking but didn’t switch completely experienced only modest fitness gains.
The study, led by researchers at the University of Catania, Italy, said: “Rapid improvements in VO₂ max can happen when healthy smokers switch to exclusive use of ECs (e-cigarettes) or HTPs. These findings reinforce the potential cardiorespiratory benefits of smoking cessation and harm reduction strategies.”
The study looked at data from a ‘CEASEFIRE’ trial, which assessed smoking reduction and cessation rates among adult smokers switching from cigarettes to vapes and HTPs.
It included a large group of smokers, who smoked 10 or more cigarettes per day. They were divided into three groups: those who kept smoking, those who reduced smoking, and those who switched entirely to vaping or heated tobacco.
Making the switch can undo some smoking damage
At both the four-week and twelve-week marks, the exclusive switchers saw significant improvements in their VO₂ max scores – showing that even within a short period, making the switch can start to undo some of the damage smoking does to heart and lung function.
The study said: “This 12-week prospective cohort analysis shows significant and clinically relevant improvements in exercise capacity among smokers who were encouraged to quit their cigarette consumption by switching to HTPs or ECs. Improvements were also observed in individuals who reduced their tobacco cigarette consumption.
“The study specifically shows – for the first time – consistent improvement in VO₂ max, among quitters exclusively using EC or HTP. Notably, there was a significant increase in aerobic capacity (i.e. maximal oxygen consumption, VO₂ max), observable as early as four weeks.
Substantial health benefits
The authors point out that while quitting all nicotine products remains the healthiest option, switching away from combustible cigarettes to vaping or HTPs can still offer substantial health benefits.
They said: “In conclusion, this post-hoc analysis suggests early significant improvements in exercise capacity among healthy smokers who quit smoking by switching to either exclusive ECs or HTPs use.
“Given that VO₂ max is the key indicator of exercise capacity and a strong predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and all-cause mortality, these findings provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of switching from tobacco cigarettes to combustion free nicotine alternatives.”
The findings come as debates continue globally over the role of vaping in public health. While some health groups warn about the risks of youth uptake, others argue that vaping represents a safer alternative for adult smokers looking to quit, especially when other methods have failed.
A separate study published last month found that former smokers – whether they quit altogether or switch to vapes or HTPs – report significantly fewer respiratory symptoms than current smokers.The research, published in BMC Public Health, found that former smokers who use vapes or HTPs report lung symptom levels similar to people who have never smoked. The findings suggest that these nicotine alternatives do not worsen respiratory health when used as substitutes for smoking.
