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Lucy Devine
People who take weight loss drugs and also vape have been warned about how the two might interact.
In the last few years, the use of weight loss drugs such as Mounjaro and Ozempic has surged, with an estimated 1.5 million people currently using the medication.
While initially designed to help manage health conditions like type two diabetes, some GLP-1 medications have gone on to be approved for weight loss too due to their appetite-suppressing effects.
While many people have documented what it's like to take the injections - for example, how much food can actually be consumed, as well as unexpected side effects - doctors have also issued warnings about the drugs.
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If you vape and also take a weight loss medication - or are thinking about starting one - you might be wondering if the two interact, or what effect one has on the other.
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Turns out that while Mounjaro doesn't treat nicotine addiction, there is some research to suggest that those who take the drug may find that they are less interested in smoking or vaping.
While some notice no changes, and others say they feel more cravings, each scenario is normal, with phloclinic explaining that everyone's brain responds differently.
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If you do notice fewer cravings, there's some pretty interesting science behind it.
"Mounjaro acts on areas of the brain that manage appetite and pleasure. These are the same areas that respond to nicotine," clinical pharmacist Pryesh Mistry writes.
"By lowering the brain’s reward response to triggers like food or nicotine, Mounjaro may help reduce the urge to smoke or vape."
Pryesh explains that there's also a link with nausea too, adding: "One of the most common side effects of Mounjaro is nausea, especially in the first few weeks. If you're already feeling a bit sick, smoking or vaping can make it worse. That might lead you to cut back naturally or stop altogether."
The science also backs it up, with a study published in 2023 finding that those using GLP-1 medications were less likely to need treatment for substance abuse.
"This suggests a possible connection between these drugs and reduced cravings," says Pryesh.
Phloclinic explains that while there are no harmful interactions between nicotine and Mounjaro, vaping and smoking may make nausea, indigestion or reflux worse.
Meanwhile, smoking has its own health risks, especially for those with conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Tyla has reached out to Mounjaro's manufacturer Eli Lilly for comment.