Is There a Link Between Vaping and Eating Disorders in the Young?

Does nicotine cause eating disorders?

College students who vape appear to be at higher risk of having an eating disorder, a new study suggests.

“The study’s findings are especially relevant as we have seen a surge in referrals for eating disorders and substance use disorders during the pandemic,” study author Dr. Jason Nagata says. He is an assistant professor in the department of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco.

According to the researchers, an analysis of data from more than 51,000 U.S. college students found that those diagnosed with an eating disorder over their lifetime (such as anorexia or bulimia) were more likely to use electronic cigarettes. However, the study could not prove a cause-and-effect relationship.

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Study author Kyle Ganson, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto, says it’s concerning to see more vaping among people with symptoms of eating disorders, because the two together can lead to other health complications, including those of the heart and lungs, as well as neurological problems.

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Nicotine could be the common link between an eating disorder and vaping, according to Gaston.

“Nicotine vaping may be used by individuals to support eating disorder behaviors and goals, such as suppressing appetite and catalyzing weight loss,” Ganson shares in a University of Toronto news release. But he warns that “nicotine vaping can lead to dependence and future polysubstance use.”

Although people of any gender or race smoke to lose weight, women, in particular, with weight-related anxieties may be more prone to

use nicotine as a method of controlling their weight. Nicotine can be used in various ways as an appetite suppressant, including gum, patches, and cigarettes.

Warning Signs of Nicotine Abuse

Someone who may have an eating disorder or be using nicotine as an appetite suppressant may display the following symptoms:

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• Excessive cigarette use
• Smoking or chewing nicotine gum in place of meals
• Restricting foods or avoiding entire food groups
• Avoiding social activities or functions involving food in order to smoke
• Ongoing smoking or nicotine use despite health problems
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop nicotine use
• Development of nicotine tolerance (needing more nicotine to achieve the same effect)
• Spending a considerable amount of time and money to obtain nicotine
• Taking nicotine in greater amounts than intended
• Weight loss and/or dangerous trends with one’s weight
• Anxiety, guilt or shame about eating
• Using nicotine as a way for compensating for eating

READ: How To Help Your Loved One Recover From An Eating Disorder

If you notice any of the following symptoms in someone close to you, it is important to stage an intervention through one of the following methods:

• psychotherapy with a behavioral health specialist
• eating disorder specialist and/or substance abuse counselor
• medical/nutritional care

If detected early, an intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening.

The issues caused by nicotine abuse combined with eating disorders may not always be apparent, but should be taken seriously because if they aren’t, deeper issues can arise.

Nagata adds that “young people who are struggling with their eating or substance use should seek help from a health professional. Clinicians should screen young people for disordered eating and substance use, especially during the pandemic.”