Body image and weight issues are major concerns during adolescence, particularly for females. Advertisements targeted at women and girls, including tobacco industry advertising, capitalize on this concern by depicting overtly slim young women. This study sought to examine whether cigarette use is associated with body image and weight issues among adolescent girls. We utilized the 1999 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) data to explore this relationship. The National YRBS is a national school-based survey which employs three-stage cluster sample design, producing a nationally representative sample of students in grades 9-12. The survey instrument addresses key health risk factors of adolescents including but not limited to tobacco, dietary behaviors, and physical activity. Overall, more than 1 out of 3 female adolescents are current cigarette users and slightly more than half indicated that they would like to lose weight. Preliminary analysis suggests that current smoking status among young women is associated with increased frequency of unhealthy weight loss strategies such as fasting, using laxatives, and using diet pills. This presentation will highlight the findings of this analysis, including the relationship between tobacco consumption (e.g., heavy versus light smoking) and unsafe weight loss practices. Additionally, differences among various racial/ethnic populations will be explored.
Learning Objectives: 1. Examine the relationship between diet and smoking among adolescent girls. 2. Discuss strategies to provide directed prevention programs and interventions.
Keywords: Adolescents, Tobacco
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.