Nicotine Pouches for Weight Loss: What You Need to Know

Nicotine Pouches for Weight Loss | There’s a debate circulating around the health risks of using nicotine pouches like ZYN for losing weight. The nicotine pouch ZYN is the fastest-growing product in the tobacco industry, and it has become very popular among younger people. Nicotine pouches are placed between the gum and the lip and are marketed as an alternative to cigarettes and chewing tobacco. Some, however, are using it for one of its reported side effects: weight loss, with some branding it as the “poor person’s Ozempic.”

ZYN for Weight Loss?

Many people are searching for alternatives because Ozempic and Wegovy are too expensive or not covered by insurance. The primary ingredient in nicotine pouches is nicotine, which is associated with a decrease in leptin—a hormone our bodies use to help us feel full quicker. This decrease in leptin typically means we eat less, contributing to the weight loss seen in individuals using nicotine products.

However, for people with underlying cardiovascular disease, using nicotine products puts them at a higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Health Risks of Nicotine Pouches

While there is very little research on the long-term effects of nicotine pouches, a recent report from Harvard asserts that they are safer than smoking cigarettes but still pose significant health risks, including:

• Increased blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Creating a nicotine addiction in people who aren’t currently using nicotine products

Seeking a Healthier Weight?

If you are seeking a healthier weight, talk to your physician and come up with a plan that works for you. If you are looking for a better alternative to cigarettes, vapes, and chewing tobacco, try nicotine pouches.