PhD Studentship: E-cigarettes, vaping & appetite control: mapping the evidence and unpicking interactive mechanisms

Nicotine is well known to suppress appetite, and cigarette smoking is consistently associated with reduced hunger and lower body weight. However, as vaping becomes the dominant form of nicotine use in the UK—particularly among young adults—much less is understood about how e-cigarettes influence appetite and eating behaviour. Most existing research focuses on traditional smoking, leaving gaps in our knowledge of vaping’s effects on diet, food reward, and metabolic regulation.

This PhD project will investigate how vaping affects appetite, eating behaviour, and energy balance. Drawing on nutrition science, biological psychology, and human metabolism, this research will integrate evidence from existing literature, population-level datasets, and controlled laboratory studies to uncover behavioural and physiological mechanisms.

The central aim is to determine whether vaping reproduces the appetite-suppressing effects of smoking or influences appetite through alternative pathways, potentially due to differences in nicotine delivery, absence of smoke-derived toxins, flavourings, or distinct patterns of use.

The successful student will receive multidisciplinary training in evidence synthesis, quantitative analysis, and laboratory-based experimental methods. Working within a collaborative team at the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (Loughborough University Campus), they will develop the skills needed to translate fundamental research into practical, real-world impact.

Supervisors:
Primary supervisor: Dr James King
Secondary supervisor: Dr Scott Wills

Entry requirements:
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, a first-class or high upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree in human nutrition, physiology, biological psychology, sport and exercise science, or a closely related discipline. A relevant master’s degree (or presently working towards) is desirable and will strengthen the application.

The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, self-motivated, and intellectually curious, with strong analytical skills and a commitment to developing high-quality research.

English language requirements:
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Funding information:
The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum (in 2025/26) for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees.

This project is advertised as a fully funded studentship, subject to final approval by the University. 

How to apply

All applications should be made online. Under Campus, please select Loughborough and select Programme Ph.D. Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences. Please quote the advertised reference number SSEHS/JK26 in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents. The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.

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