Exploring weight control as motivation for illicit stimulant use

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Substance Abuse Research

Background:

• Young women face pressure to conform to thin ideals, leading to body dissatisfaction.
• Extreme weight loss methods and disordered eating are prevalent among college-aged women.
• Illicit stimulants are known to suppress appetite, making them a potential tool for weight control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between eating disorder risk factors and illicit stimulant use (ISU) in college women.
• To understand the motivations behind illicit stimulant use for weight management in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A preliminary study surveyed 131 drug-using college women aged 16-24.
• Data collected included body image perceptions, disordered eating behaviors, and motivations for substance use.
• Participants reported on their use of illicit stimulants for weight control.

Main Results:

• 15.3% of participants reported using drugs for weight control.
• Illicit stimulants (cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, ecstasy) were the predominant drugs used (70%) for this purpose.
• Laxative misuse was associated with increased odds of illicit stimulant use.

Conclusions:

• A desire for weight control is linked to illicit stimulant use among college women.
• Women engaging in extreme weight loss behaviors are at higher risk for initiating and maintaining illicit stimulant use for weight-related reasons.