The Use of Electronic Cigarettes for Weight Control Among College Women: A Quantitative Analysis

Abstract

Introduction. Existing evidence indicates some young adult cigarette smokers are motivated to smoke for weight control. Findings regarding young adult use of e-cigarettes for weight control is limited. As e-cigarettes are most popular among young adults, and college women have been found to use cigarettes for weight control more often than men, this study aimed to investigate the influences that drive college women to use e-cigarettes.

Methods. College women e-cigarette users who reported using their devices for weight control reasons (N = 425, Mage = 21) were recruited to participate in an online Qualtrics survey. Self-reported data were collected on demographics, body shape satisfaction, weight perception, and e-cigarette and combustible cigarette related behaviors. E-cigarette dependency was measured by the Penn State E-Cigarette Nicotine Dependence Index. The current study aimed to test associations between the use of e-cigarette for weight control and weight perception, body shape satisfaction, frequency of e-cigarette use, and tobacco use status.

Results. Logistic regression resulted show weight perception was significantly associated with e-cigarette use for weight control. Body shape satisfaction, frequency of e-cigarette use, and tobacco use status were not significantly associated. Chi-square analyses showed significant relationships between perceived underweight and the use of e-cigarettes for appetite suppression, often satisfied with body shape satisfaction and the use of e-cigarettes to control weight and suppress appetite, and dual tobacco use and the use of e-cigarettes to stop food cravings.

Discussion. Findings showed substantial evidence that some college women use e-cigarettes for weight control reasons. Health promotion interventions are needed to educate on healthy weight control strategies and the potential negative health outcomes of e-cigarette use to prevent the adoption of e-cigarettes for weight control among college women.