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Review
. 2024 May 14;13(10):2896.
doi: 10.3390/jcm13102896.

Exploring Vaping Patterns and Weight Management-Related Concerns among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review

Srishti Mohapatra  1 , Sharadha Wisidagama  2 , Fabrizio Schifano  3
Affiliations
Review

Exploring Vaping Patterns and Weight Management-Related Concerns among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review

Srishti Mohapatra et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Background: Electronic cigarettes or vapes are battery-operated devices that heat a liquid, often containing nicotine and flavouring substances, to produce an inhalable aerosol. Despite being used as an alternative to traditional smoking, many studies have reported their health risks and ineffectiveness in smoking cessation. The impact of e-cigarettes on weight control behaviours, a known effect of traditional cigarette smoking, is unclear. Herein, a systematic review was conducted to explore the relationship between e-cigarette use and body weight changes in adolescents and young adults. Methods: The existing literature from databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar until October 2023 was searched and included in the review. The methodological quality of all selected studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklists for Studies. Results: Out of 5117 citations, 20 publications featuring cross-sectional studies with adolescent participants were qualitatively analysed. The high rates of e-cigarette usage seemed to correlate with increased weight concerns, particularly among females. Regular e-cigarette users who reported being overweight and used calorie restriction for weight reduction were more likely to view vaping as a weight loss or control strategy. Young adults (<24 years) may consume more flavoured e-cigarettes than older users (>25 years). Conclusions: This study revealed a significant use of e-cigarettes among high school students, driven by taste preferences, weight management, and perceived harm reduction. Particularly among girls facing body image pressures, vaping serves as a weight control method. This highlights the need to assess cardiovascular risks and advocate for further research, including longitudinal studies, to inform public health strategies effectively.

Keywords: adolescent; e-cigarettes; vaping; weight control; weight loss.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest. There are no conflicts of interest with the tobacco industry and no funding has ever been received from tobacco company sources.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow chart depicting the process of selecting or rejecting studies.
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