Malta’s Wellness Scene Warned: Vaping Risks & Youth Trends
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised concerns about the alarming rise in vaping, revealing that 100 million people globally use e-cigarettes, including nearly 15 million children aged 13 to 15. With teenage vaping rates averaging nine times higher than those of adults, this troubling trend threatens decades of progress in tobacco control. Despite claims of being a safer alternative, e-cigarettes are aggressively marketed to youth, often through underregulated digital platforms. For Malta’s health-conscious community, this issue highlights the importance of fostering environments that prioritize wellness. Restaurants and cafes can play a vital role by promoting clean, smoke-free spaces and supporting healthier lifestyle choices. As Malta embraces organic, nutrient-rich menus and mindful eating practices, addressing harmful behaviors like vaping further reinforces a culture of wellness. The WHO urges stronger tobacco control measures worldwide, a call Malta must heed to protect its youth and sustain its progress in health advocacy. This serves as a reminder that wellness goes beyond diet, encompassing lifestyle choices and environments that support vitality
Alarming Vaping Figures Raise Health Concerns: A Wake-Up Call for Malta’s Wellness Community
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a stark warning about the growing prevalence of vaping, revealing that an estimated 100 million people worldwide are now using e-cigarettes. Alarmingly, nearly 15 million of these users are children aged 13 to 15. This trend should be a red flag for Malta’s health-conscious community, particularly for those invested in promoting long-term wellness and healthy living.
WHO data shows that vaping rates among teenagers aged 13 to 15 are, on average, nine times higher than among adults. While only 1.9% of adults use e-cigarettes globally, the figure rises to 7.2% among teenagers. These statistics highlight a troubling reality: younger generations are being drawn into nicotine addiction at an earlier age, threatening to undo decades of progress in tobacco control. Despite claims that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative, the WHO cautions that the vaping industry aggressively markets its products to children and teens, often through underregulated digital channels.
For Malta’s wellness advocates, this issue touches on more than just smoking—it’s about fostering environments that prioritize physical and mental health. Restaurants, cafes, and food-focused establishments in Malta have a unique opportunity to champion clean, smoke-free spaces. By promoting healthy dining experiences and discouraging the use of harmful substances like nicotine, they can play an active role in supporting healthier communities.
Moreover, the rise of vaping underscores the need for greater awareness of the impact that lifestyle choices—whether dietary or behavioral—have on long-term health. Just as Malta’s vibrant food scene increasingly embraces organic, nutrient-rich menus and mindful eating practices, addressing harmful trends like vaping can further reinforce a culture of wellness.
The WHO has urged governments worldwide to adopt stronger tobacco control policies in response to this crisis. In the UK, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to regulate the promotion and sale of new nicotine products. Malta, too, must consider similar measures to protect its youth and ensure that progress in tobacco control is not reversed.
For those passionate about healthy living, this is a reminder that wellness extends beyond what’s on your plate—it’s also about creating a lifestyle and environment that prioritize longevity, vitality, and mental clarity. As Malta continues to position itself as a hub for healthy dining and lifestyle choices, let’s commit to keeping the conversation around vaping front and center to safeguard the well-being of future generations.