Many people turn to vaping as a stepping stone to quit smoking, but UK-based medical professional Dr. Karan Rajan has issued a cautionary note about its effectiveness. In a viral TikTok video, Dr. Rajan explained: “If you think vaping is the best way to quit smoking, you’ve been lied to.”
Highlighting the nicotine content in vaping, he added, “A single vaping pod can contain around 60mg of nicotine, depending on the brand and strength. For comparison, one cigarette delivers around 2mg of nicotine to the body. So, one vape pod is easily a pack of cigarettes or more. Because vaping is smoother and comes in fun flavors, people can puff away and chain vape through multiple pods.”
Dr. Rajan’s message warns that while vaping might appear to be a less harmful alternative, it could still perpetuate nicotine addiction. He advised considering other methods to quit smoking before turning to vapes. The video sparked widespread discussion, garnering over 140,000 likes and eliciting mixed reactions from viewers.
While some criticized vaping, others shared personal stories defending its role in quitting smoking. One commenter shared: “I’m part of the 7% to 10% that used vaping to quit smoking. That was eight years ago. I haven’t vaped or smoked anything in eight years. It was the only path that worked for me.”
Another wrote: “I used to smoke one pack a day. One vape lasts me almost two weeks, so I will take one pack every two weeks. I wish I could take nothing at all, but I’m working on it.”
However, others highlighted health improvements after quitting vaping entirely. One user noted: “14 months vape-free. Coming from an absolute vape fiend. My resting heart rate dropped from 90bpm to 60bpm. Weird head pains, rashes, and acne…gone. My anxiety is miles better.”
Despite Dr. Rajan’s concerns, the NHS offers a more supportive view of vaping as a smoking cessation tool. Their website states: “In recent years, e-cigarettes have become a very popular stop-smoking aid in the UK. They’re far less harmful than cigarettes and can help you quit smoking for good.”
However, the NHS also acknowledges potential risks: “Vaping is not completely harmless. We only recommend it for adult smokers, to support quitting smoking and staying quit.” If you’re concerned about your health or seeking support to quit smoking, consult your doctor or contact the NHS Stop Smoking Service for tailored advice.
