Use of Tobacco for Weight Control across Products among Young adults in the U.S. Military.

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of a study investigating the relationship between tobacco use and weight control in military personnel. The study examines the prevalence and demographic correlates of ever using tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, cigarillos/little cigars, and hookah, for weight maintenance among a military population. The study also explores the ever use of these products for weight maintenance in a large non-college young adult population diverse in gender, ethnicity, and race.

Key Points:

* The study found that 1.3% of the sample had used e-cigarettes, 1.4% had used cigarettes, 1.1% had used smokeless tobacco, 0.7% had used cigarillos/little cigars, and 0.6% had used hookah for weight control.
* among monthly or less frequent users of each of these tobacco products, approximately 5.5% had used e-cigarettes for weight control and 7.3% had used cigarettes to maintain weight.
* Differences in education and BMI were observed in the use of e-cigarettes for weight control, while differences in gender, BMI, and ethnicity were observed in the use of cigarettes for weight control.
* Individuals who perceived e-cigarettes as less harmful were more likely to have used e-cigarettes to control weight, and having used a product for weight control was associated with the frequency of use of that product.
* Using e-cigarettes for weight control was significantly related to the tobacco status of all other products.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between tobacco use and weight control in military personnel. The findings suggest that certain demographic groups are more likely to use tobacco products for weight maintenance, and that there is a need for tobacco interventions to address weight control strategies. additionally, the study emphasizes the need for education about the harm of tobacco products, particularly for those using them for weight control. The results also suggest that many individuals who have vaped for weight maintenance currently use other tobacco products, indicating the importance of addressing dual use in tobacco interventions.

Fahey MC, Little Ma, Klesges RC, et al. Use of Tobacco for Weight Control across Products among Young adults in the U.S. Military. Substance use & misuse. 2021;56(1):153-161. doi:10.1080/10826084.2020.1846196