Associations between body dissatisfaction, weight perception, disordered eating, and electronic cigarette use for weight control among college women.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to test associations between body dissatisfaction, weight perception, disordered eating, and e-cigarette use for weight control among college women. Participants and Methods: College women (N = 425, M_age = 20.99) who reported using e-cigarettes for weight control-related reasons (i.e., control weight, suppress appetite, and/or stop food cravings) participated in an online survey that measured self-reported body dissatisfaction, weight perception, disordered eating, and e-cigarette behaviors. Results: Multiple linear regression findings show disordered eating and weight perception significantly predicted e-cigarette use for weight control purposes; however, body dissatisfaction did not. Notably, some participants reported only using e-cigarettes for weight control purposes. Conclusion: College women who experience disordered eating symptoms and perceive themselves as overweight may be at risk for using e-cigarettes. Interventions that deter and address e-cigarette use for weight control while promoting healthy weight control are needed among college women.