Weight Status and Effects of Non-Tobacco Flavors on E-Cigarette Product appeal.

Introduction:
This text summarizes a study that examines the relationship between weight status and e-cigarette use, specifically looking at the role of flavors in e-cigarette appeal. The study used a laboratory experiment to test the hypothesis that non-tobacco versus tobacco flavored e-cigarettes would appeal more to individuals with overweight/obesity compared to individuals with normal weight among young adults that vape.

Key Points:

* The study used a within-subjects experimental design, with young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 who currently regularly used e-cigarettes.
* Participants were administered e-cigarettes with different solutions that varied in flavor (fruit, menthol, tobacco) and nicotine concentration.
* The appeal testing procedure involved 36 random-ordered experimental trials, with each trial consisting of a guided controlled puffing procedure followed by appeal ratings.
* The primary analysis used a multilevel linear model to examine the interaction of flavor and weight status on overall appeal ratings.
* The study found that the appeal-enhancing effects of menthol versus tobacco flavor were amplified in individuals with overweight/obesity compared to individuals with normal weight.
* There was no significant difference in the average appeal ratings between people with versus without overweight or obesity collapsed across the three flavors.
* The study also found that differences between menthol versus fruit flavors varied by weight status, with the preference for fruit versus menthol flavors being weaker in people overweight/obesity compared to individuals with normal weight.

Main Message:
The main message of this study is that menthol flavors in e-cigarettes may be disproportionately appealing to young adults with overweight and obesity. These findings suggest that any potential regulation to reduce the availability of menthol-flavored e-cigarettes could disproportionately impact individuals with overweight or obesity, which is a key finding given the high prevalence of obesity in the U.S. and the potential health implications of e-cigarette regulations. Overall, the study highlights the importance of considering the nuanced health effects of vaping and how they may intersect with overweight/obesity in the development of policies and interventions.

Mason TB, Leventhal aM. Weight Status and Effects of Non-Tobacco Flavors on E-Cigarette Product appeal. Substance use & misuse. 2021;56(6):848-853. doi:10.1080/10826084.2021.1899229