Smoking as a mechanism for weight loss among female adolescents

Smoking is associated with dieting, body image, weight loss behaviors, and is highly correlated with unhealthy methods of weight loss. Girls who used unhealthy weight loss methods were more likely to initiate cigarette use, instead of just thinking about it (Tomeo et al, 1999). This study was conducted to shed new light on this behavior among adolescent females and better understand the relation between body image, diet, and smoking. Using interviews conducted by a trained interviewer, participants (n=16) spent approximately one hour discussing body image and risky health behaviors. Over one-third of the participants have tried cigarettes (n=6, 37.5%) and 2 respondents (12.5%) are current smokers. The majority (n=12, 75%) report currently trying to maintain their weight, while 3 (18.8%) indicate trying to lose weight. Of those who report trying to lose weight, the majority (n=2, 66%) are current smokers. An additional 2 participants (12.5%) reported knowing someone who uses smoking as a mechanism to lose weight. Body image, dieting, and unhealthy dieting behaviors are all related to the development of adolescent smoking as a method of weight loss. These factors are essential in understanding weight loss methods in adolescents. Understanding the relationship between cigarette use and body image, and the resulting decision to utilize cigarette use as a method of weight loss is essential in providing solutions to this problem.