Weight-Related Concerns and Practices of Male and Female Adolescent Cigarette Smokers and Nonsmokers

Abstract

The current study assessed weight-related concerns and practices of adolescent cigarette smokers and nonsmokers and investigated relationships between smoking status and weight-related concerns/practices among a sample of 1,915 male and female adolescents. In general, male and female adolescents who smoked cigarettes were less satisfied with their weight and more likely to perceive themselves as fat, be concerned about weight gain, and participate in unsafe or unsound weight-regulating practices (e.g., self-induced vomiting, going on very restrictive diets, taking diet pills) than their nonsmoking peers. Yet, smokers and nonsmokers did not differ in terms of body mass index. This study provides evidence that concern about weight and weight-regulation is salient for both male and female adolescent smokers. Therefore, results from this study bring to light the importance of addressing the issue of smoking and weight control in smoking prevention and intervention programs directed toward children and adolescents. Further, smoking and body weight issues must be addressed adequately among young males as well as females.