In this engaging discussion, guest Bob Kaplan, an expert in nicotine's complex effects, sheds light on its cognitive benefits and weight loss potential. He clarifies the distinction between nicotine and harmful tobacco, diving into nicotine replacement therapy for quitting smoking. The conversation also explores intriguing findings, such as smokers experiencing less severe COVID-19 symptoms. With insights on various administration methods and the mechanisms behind nicotine's benefits, this episode unpacks the layered science of this often-misunderstood molecule.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Peter Attia's Nicotine Experience
Peter Attia became interested in nicotine's potential benefits about 11 years ago.
He used nicotine gum intermittently, finding it beneficial for focus without experiencing addiction.
insights INSIGHT
Nicotine vs. Tobacco
Nicotine, while addictive, isn't inherently dangerous or carcinogenic like other chemicals in tobacco.
The US Surgeon General found inadequate evidence to link nicotine exposure to cancer risk.
insights INSIGHT
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) aims to leverage nicotine's addictive properties to help smokers quit.
NRT increases quit rates, but absolute success at six months remains low (2-3%).
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In this “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) episode, Peter and Bob dive deep into nicotine, a complicated and interesting molecule that has effects on both the brain and the body. They analyze the results of the studies that describe nicotine’s cognitive benefits and potential for inducing weight loss. They talk about a smoking cessation technique called nicotine replacement therapy and give a full breakdown of the various routes of administration, dosing, and safety. Finally, they explore the fascinating and counterintuitive observation that cigarette smokers are less likely to get a severe case of COVID-19. If you’re not a subscriber and listening on a podcast player, you’ll only be able to hear a preview of the AMA. If you’re a subscriber, you can now listen to this full episode on your private RSS feed or on our website at the AMA #23 show notes page. If you are not a subscriber, you can learn more about the subscriber benefits here. We discuss:
How Peter first became interested in the potential benefits of nicotine [1:15];
Untangling nicotine from tobacco [6:00];
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for quitting smoking: products, protocols, and a review of the literature [9:30];
The cognitive benefits of nicotine: Overview of the literature [15:50];
Where nicotine has the most positive impact on cognition [30:30];
Possible mechanisms conferring the benefits of nicotine [37:00];
How modafinil and other nootropics compare to nicotine [47:15];
How nicotine may induce weight loss [54:00];
Relationship between smoking and COVID-19: Analyzing the observation that smoking appears protective against COVID-19 [1:01:45];
Breakdown of the various nicotine replacement therapies: route of administration, dosing, and safety [1:11:30];
Concluding thoughts on nicotine: use cases, addictive properties, and more [1:19:45]; and
The Peter Attia Drive