A new study reports that regular vaping may have health effects that resemble those of smoking, particularly in terms of breathlessness and reduced physical fitness. The reporting notes that vaping is often presented as a healthier alternative to cigarettes and is supported in some public health messaging, including references to NHS guidance. However, the study findings described across sources indicate that the harms associated with vaping could be comparable under certain conditions, especially for people who start using vapes at a young age and use them regularly. The articles describe vaping as potentially leaving users “just as breathless and unfit as smoking,” aligning with concerns that the long-term impacts may not be limited to smoking-related harms. The sources do not provide detailed study methodology, participant numbers, or specific effect sizes in the excerpts provided, so the comparison is presented at the level of reported outcomes rather than quantified results. Overall, the articles highlight growing debate about the health risks of vaping and whether it offers clear protection compared with smoking for all users.