The proportion of people vaping in the UK increased by nearly a quarter each year from January 2022 to January 2024 – 8.9% to 13.5% among those 16 and over, and from 17% to 26.5% for those aged 16 to 24.
However, the proportion of people vaping then stayed constant between January 2024 and January 2025, including for younger people, the same study reveals.
Additionally, a year after the UK Government shared plans to restrict vaping, including banning disposable vapes, the proportion of 16- to 24-year-olds mainly using disposables almost halved: 63% to 35%.
Researchers used data from ongoing interviews with representative samples in England, Wales and Scotland. More than 88,000 people aged 16 and over were included.
Lead author Dr Sarah Jackson said: ‘Action is likely still required to reduce high vaping rates, but… Some of the options being considered may be more likely to have the unintended consequence of deterring smokers from using vapes to quit smoking.’
Studies like these ‘allow policies to be based on the best possible evidence.’
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