Lola Young admits vaping has turned breathing into a 'chore' as she faces long-term health consequences

Key points

• Lola Young stated in a TikTok video that vaping has made breathing feel like 'hard work' and her lungs feel 'battery powered.'
• The singer admitted she is unlikely to quit vaping soon, joking she will try to quit at age 45.
• Vocal coach Lizzii Hills explained that vaping affects the lungs, airways, and throat, making controlled inhalation and exhalation difficult for singers.
• Young previously collapsed on stage in September 2025 and took a five-month hiatus to address her health and addiction issues.
• The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health linked vaping to higher rates of breathing problems, wheezing, and poor sleep in a review of over 80 studies.

Background

Lola Young has been open about her struggles with mental health and addiction, including a cocaine dependency she addressed in 2024. Her on-stage collapse in 2025 served as a wake-up call, leading to a period of recovery and a return to performing earlier in 2026. This latest update on her respiratory health follows a broader trend of public figures discussing the long-term effects of vaping, which the NHS notes is less harmful than smoking but still carries unknown risks. Recent government measures, including a ban on single-use vapes and new taxes on e-liquid, aim to reduce the appeal of vaping, particularly among younger demographics.

How outlets are covering it

BBC Newsbeat emphasizes the immediate physical toll on Young's breathing and the professional risks to her vocal performance, citing expert vocal coach Lizzii Hills. Geo News provides additional context on Young's previous addiction struggles and her specific timeline for quitting, noting her humorous but concerning admission that she plans to wait until age 45. The Yahoo source, while largely obscured by technical code, mirrors the BBC's focus on the physical sensation of breathing as 'hard work.' All sources agree on the severity of the respiratory impact but differ in emphasis: BBC focuses on the medical and professional implications, while Geo News highlights the personal journey and previous addiction context.

Why it matters

Lola Young's public disclosure serves as a cautionary tale for the long-term health effects of vaping, particularly for performers who rely on respiratory control. It underscores that even after addressing other addictions, nicotine use can have persistent and damaging effects on the body. The case also highlights the broader public health debate around vaping, where while it may be less harmful than smoking, it still poses significant risks to respiratory health, mental well-being, and professional capabilities. Young's experience may influence public perception and policy discussions regarding the long-term safety of vaping products.

What to watch

Lola Young has indicated she is not ready to quit vaping immediately, suggesting a long-term struggle with nicotine dependence. Medical experts will likely continue to monitor her health and vocal performance, while public health campaigns may use her case to emphasize the risks of vaping. The UK government's new measures, including taxes and bans on single-use vapes, will continue to take effect, potentially influencing vaping rates among young people. Young's representatives have been contacted for comment, and her future public statements may provide further updates on her health and recovery journey.