Electronic cigarette use among individuals with a self-reported eating disorder diagnosis

The primary study aim was to examine whether rates of using e-cigarettes ("vaping") to lose weight are elevated among American adults who self-report having an eating disorder (ED).

Adult vapers who reported either currently having an ED (n = 178; 72.5% women, 83.7% White, mean age 33.26 [SD = 8.35] years) or no ED history (n = 433; 54.7% women, 83.4% White, 35.98 [SD = 11.71] years) completed an anonymous survey.

Relative to participants reporting no ED history, participants who reported currently having an ED were more likely to report vaping to lose/control weight, because it can be concealed from others, and due to the availability of sweet flavors. Participants reporting a current ED also were more likely to vape daily, to use higher nicotine concentrations, and to vape to relieve negative affect than were individuals without EDs.

Individuals who self-reported currently having an ED endorsed vaping motives that are consistent with eating pathology (e.g., substance-induced weight loss, hiding compensatory behaviors from others). They also were more likely to vape daily and to use higher nicotine concentrations, raising health concerns. The findings suggest that treatment providers should screen for e-cigarette use in clients seeking ED treatment.