Relationships between cigarette smoking and weight control in young women

Fam Community Health. 2003 Apr-Jun;26(2):140-6. doi: 10.1097/00003727-200304000-00007.

Abstract

While multiple risk factors are associated with smoking, body weight concern is a significant risk factor for smoking among young women, including adolescents. This article explores the relationship between frequency of smoking and weight loss strategies among a nationally representative sample of high school females (n = 7,828). Adjusted odds ratios were generated for smoking, weight goals, and weight loss strategies, controlling for demographics. Daily smokers were two to four times more likely to fast, use pills, and purge to control their weight than nonsmokers. Tobacco control efforts for young women must address the influence of weight concern on smoking in this population.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / ethnology*
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology
  • Black or African American / psychology
  • Body Weight*
  • Female
  • Health Behavior / ethnology*
  • Hispanic or Latino / psychology
  • Humans
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Self Concept
  • Smoking / epidemiology*
  • Smoking / ethnology
  • United States / epidemiology
  • White People / psychology
  • Women's Health*