Nicotine’s Effects on the Brain & Body & How to Quit Smoking or Vaping | Huberman Lab Podcast #90

Appetite & Metabolism

Nicotine's impact on appetite and metabolism is notable, though not the primary reason for its consumption. Andrew Huberman explains that nicotine activates POMC neurons, which suppress appetite by reducing the impulse to chew, leading to a transient increase in metabolism by 2% to 5% 1. This effect is particularly appealing to younger females who use nicotine for its appetite-suppressing properties 2.

When nicotine gets into the bloodstream and then into the brain, some of that nicotine binds to nicotinic alpha four beta two containing nicotinic receptors.

--- Andrew Huberman

While these metabolic changes are temporary, they contribute to nicotine's addictive nature, as users often fear weight gain upon quitting.

   

Cardiovascular Risks

Nicotine significantly impacts cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and heart contractibility. Andrew Huberman notes that nicotine's stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system enhances alertness and readiness but also constricts blood vessels, impairing blood flow to organs 3. This constriction can lead to chronic damage to endothelial cells, which are crucial for vascular health 4.

Smoking, vaping, dipping, and snuffing negatively impact every organ and tissue system and cell of the body by virtue of the fact that they all damage the endothelial cells.

--- Andrew Huberman

The long-term effects include increased risks of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues.

   

Delivery Risks

Different nicotine delivery methods, such as smoking and vaping, pose distinct health risks. Andrew Huberman highlights that smoking and vaping disrupt endothelial cells, leading to increased risks of cancer, stroke, and cognitive decline 5. Vaping, in particular, causes a rapid release of dopamine, making it more addictive than smoking 6.

For every pack of cigarettes smoked per day, we can reliably estimate a 14 year reduction in lifespan.

--- Andrew Huberman

These methods are among the leading causes of preventable death, emphasizing the need for effective cessation strategies.