Electronic cigarettes have been linked to an increased risk of eating disorders in young people, ranging from anorexia to bulimia.
Vaping
The use of electronic cigarettes is not without health consequences. In a recent study published September 11 in the journal Eating Behaviors, researchers suggested that vaping increases the risk of developing an eating disorder in young adults.
Read also: Losing Weight May Raise the Risk of Eating Disorders in Women
Worsening complications
For the study, the authors looked at a sample of more than 51,000 U.S. college students from the Healthy Minds survey conducted between 2018 and 2019. Of those, 19% reported using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days, and 3.7% reported having an eating disorder, of which one in four was at high risk of developing an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa, and bulimia.
The researchers also found that participants who reported being diagnosed with an eating disorder were more likely to use electronic cigarettes. “The higher prevalence of vaping in people with eating disorder symptoms is concerning because it can exacerbate physical health complications such as cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurological problems,” said Kyle T. Ganson, a researcher at the University of Toronto and lead author of the study.
Read also: Study Shows That There May Be a Genetic Component to Eating Disorders
E-cigarettes with nicotine
The researchers also found that most vapers used e-cigarettes with nicotine, especially in connection with eating disorders. “Nicotine vaping can be used by people to catalyze behaviors and goals associated with eating disorders, such as appetite suppression and weight loss,” says Kyle Ganson. Nicotine vaping can lead to addiction which could lead to more drug abuse.
These findings are particularly important as eating and substance use disorders have increased during the pandemic. “Young people with eating or drug problems should seek help from a health professional,” said Jason M. Nagata, co-author of the study. Physicians should screen adolescents for eating disorders and drug use, especially during a pandemic.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the study say about vaping and eating disorders?
Vaping is linked to a higher risk of eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia in young adults.
2. How was the study conducted?
It analyzed data from 51,000 U.S. college students from the Healthy Minds survey (2018–2019).
3. What percentage of participants reported vaping or eating disorders?
- 19% vaped in the past 30 days.
- 3.7% had eating disorders, with 25% at high risk for severe conditions.
4. Why does vaping increase eating disorder risk?
Nicotine suppresses appetite, encouraging weight loss behaviors linked to eating disorders.
5. What health problems can vaping cause for those with eating disorders?
Cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurological complications.
6. Are nicotine e-cigarettes worse for eating disorders?
Yes, nicotine use aligns with behaviors like appetite suppression and weight loss.
7. Is vaping linked to other substance use?
Yes, nicotine addiction may lead to further substance abuse.
8. Why are these findings relevant now?
Eating and substance use disorders have risen during the pandemic.
9. What should affected young people do?
Seek help from a health professional.
10. How can doctors help?
Screen for eating disorders and drug use, especially in adolescents.
11. Can vaping worsen existing eating disorders?
Yes, it may exacerbate symptoms and health issues.
References
Ganson, K. T., & Nagata, J. M. (2021). Associations between vaping and eating disorder diagnosis and risk among college students. Eating Behaviors, 43, 101566. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eatbeh.2021.101566
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