Tobacco product use for weight control as an eating disorder behavior: Recommendations for future clinical and public health research

Abstract

Tobacco product use (TPU; e.g., smoking, e‐cigarettes, other emerging products) is elevated in eating disorders (EDs), yet the phenomenology of tobacco use within EDs has not received much attention. Due to the appetite suppressant effects of tobacco products as well as the array of availability of tobacco products in hedonic flavors (e.g., gummy bear, fruit), TPU may be used for weight control, such as to suppress appetite, satisfy cravings, or for meal replacement. The purpose of this article was to outline theoretical research on TPU for weight control as a mechanism in EDs as well as key areas for future research. We discuss the conceptualization and nature of TPU for weight control and how it may be related to EDs and associated behaviors, TPU patterns and smoking for weight control in EDs, and the effectiveness of current interventions and development of novel intervention protocols for individuals with EDs who use tobacco. Overall, this article outlines novel research questions on TPU in EDs and as a weight control behavior and provides recommendations to clarify the conceptualization and role of TPU within EDs.

Factors that influence decision-making among youth who vape and youth who don’t vape

“…Another noteworthy finding was that one female reported vaping as a way to suppress their appetite. The use of tobacco products, including vaping, as an appetite suppressant among females is not new ( Mason, Tackett, Smith, & Leventhal, 2022 ). In light of evidence that eating disorders have been on the rise since the pandemic ( Toulany et al, 2022 ), attention to the gender-based vulnerabilities in prevention efforts must be given due attention.…”

Body Dissatisfaction and Binge Eating: The Moderating Roles of Sweet Taste Reward Sensitivity and Dietary Restraint among Tobacco Product Users

“…Thus, further research is necessary to determine whether the current findings generalize to other samples, as well as the differences between tobacco vs. non-tobacco product users. Yet, the current findings are important given the associations between tobacco product use and eating disorder psychopathology, and related behaviors, such as binge eating [ 47 ]. Third, all measures were assessed with retrospective self-report questionnaires, which are subject to reporting biases.…”

Metabolic and Other Endocrine Elements with Regard to Lifestyle Choices: Focus on E-Cigarettes

“…A negative relationship between BMI and e-cigarette use was also reported [20]. The profile of the obese patient might favor e-cigarette use due to weight control reasons, to prevent binge eating considering nicotine's appetite suppression effects [65], and to satisfy cravings using the large flavor palette available in these products [22,23,66]. Oftentimes, e-cigarette smoking is associated with eating disorders, including not only binge eating, and bulimia nervosa, but also anorexia [67], especially in adolescent girls [68,69].…”

“…In order to properly assess the risk-benefit balance, understanding the metabolic profile of the e-cigarette users seems like an important aspect. As mentioned, we need to look at the most important metabolic components with respect to e-cig use, from type 2 diabetes mellitus to milder glucose profile anomalies (such as prediabetes) to obesity, insulin resistance, and entire panel of metabolic syndrome [65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73].…”