Singer Lola Young Describes Vaping Addiction's Toll on Breathing

Singer Lola Young has revealed the significant impact her vaping addiction is having on her respiratory health, describing her lungs as feeling 'battery powered' and breathing as a 'chore.' The 25-year-old artist confessed in a TikTok video that she previously disregarded warnings about the long-term effects of vaping, but has now come to experience them firsthand.

Young stated that breathing now feels like strenuous work, humorously suggesting she should be paid an hourly wage for the effort. Despite these health concerns, she indicated a reluctance to quit until she reaches the age of 45.

This personal health revelation follows a period of recovery for the singer. Last year, she took a break from her career after collapsing on stage in September 2025. In March, she disclosed that she was undergoing 'drugs recovery,' describing the process as ongoing but noting she is in a much better state following treatment. She confirmed this recovery specifically involved drugs and that she has been attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings after checking into a holistic facility focused on addiction and mental health.

Young also touched upon her struggles during the recording of her 2024 album, 'I'm Only F**king Myself,' admitting to personal mental health issues and battles with addiction. Her previous music has also reflected her experiences with cocaine addiction and previous rehabilitation stints.

In the UK, new government measures are being implemented to curb vaping, particularly among young people. A ban on the sale of vapes and nicotine products to individuals under 18 is set to take effect on October 29. This legislation will also make it illegal for adults to purchase vapes or nicotine products for minors. Additionally, regulations will prohibit vaping in certain public spaces, including cars when children are present, and in all areas where smoking is already banned, such as workplaces and public transport. Some outdoor areas, like children's playgrounds and school vicinities, may also become vape-free zones pending consultation.

A new excise duty on vape liquids, amounting to £2.20 per 10ml, could increase costs significantly for regular users. A heavy vaper consuming approximately 270 bottles annually might face an extra £600 per year, with individual bottles potentially costing nearly £7, up from around £3.99. Taxes on traditional cigarettes and tobacco pouches have also increased.

These measures aim to maintain a price difference where vaping remains cheaper than smoking, while simultaneously discouraging new users, especially the youth. However, some critics express concern that substantial price hikes could deter smokers from transitioning to e-cigarettes as a means to quit smoking, citing evidence that vaping is significantly less harmful than tobacco smoking.

Studies suggest that while vaping is not without risks, it exposes users to far fewer harmful chemicals than traditional cigarettes. Research from King's College London indicated that e-cigarettes pose a fraction of the risk associated with tobacco smoking. Conversely, a study published in Nature Medicine found that switching from cigarettes to vapes may not reduce the risk of lung cancer. Currently, approximately 5.4 million adults in the UK are regular or occasional vapers, surpassing the 4.9 million smokers.