Use of Tobacco for Weight Control across Products among Young Adults in the U.S. Military

Bibliographic Data

ID21646697
AuthorsMargaret C Fahey (0000-0002-8672-8785, Department of Psychology, The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, USA, corresponding author), Melissa A Little (0000-0002-0562-4010, University of Virginia), Robert C Klesges (University of Virginia), G Wayne Talcott (0000-0002-5954-4921, University of Virginia), Phyllis A Richey (0000-0002-0757-212X, University of Tennessee Health Science Center), Kutlu Mehmet (University of Tennessee Health Science Center), Rebecca A Krukowski (0000-0001-9193-2783, Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA)
Year2021
Volume56
Issue1
Pages153-161
Publication date2021-01-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueSubstance Use & Misuse (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1082-6084 • E-ISSN: 1532-2491
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/10826084.2020.1846196
PMID33183122
OpenAlexW3098124040
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited35

Background Approximately 17% of young adults currently use tobacco, most commonly cigarettes and/or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), followed by other products (i.e., cigarillos, pipe/hookah, smokeless tobacco). Cigarettes have been historically used to control weight. Little is known about use of non-cigarette products for weight control, particularly among non-college young adults. Tobacco use in the military is higher than civilians, and personnel have increased motivation for weight control due to military fitness standards. This population might be vulnerable to use tobacco for this purpose. Purpose: Exploring prevalence, as well as demographic and behavioral correlates, of using tobacco products for weight control, among a large, diverse sample of military young adults. Methods: U.S. Air Force recruits (N = 24,543) completed a questionnaire about tobacco use. Among users of tobacco products, recruits reported if they had ever used that product to maintain their weight. Results: Smokeless tobacco was most commonly used for weight control (12.2%), followed by cigarettes (7.3%), e-cigarettes (5.5%), cigarillos (3.3%), and hookah/pipe (3.2%). Using tobacco for weight control was associated with fewer harm beliefs and more regular use of that product. Among e-cigarette users, having a higher BMI and a lower educational background was associated with ever using this product for weight control. Conclusions: The belief that a tobacco product helps control one’s weight might increase the prevalence, and frequency of use, of that product among military young adults. Tobacco cessation programs should assess for this motivation of use and provide education about tobacco harm and alternative strategies for weight maintenance

Environmental health · Obesity · Population · Public health · Smokeless tobacco · Tobacco control · Tobacco product · Tobacco use · Weight control · Young adult · Demography · Medicine · Obesity and Health Practices · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet · Smoking Behavior and Cessation · Gerontology

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access