Exploring Vaping Patterns and Weight Management-Related Concerns among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review
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 (25 years). Conclusions: This study revealed a significant use of e-cigarettes among high school…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Tobacco and COPD: presenting the World Health Organization (WHO) Tobacco Knowledge Summary
- Comparative effects of e-cigarette smoking on periodontal status, salivary pH, and cotinine levels
- Association between exposure to environmental pollutants and increased oral health risks, a comprehensive review
- Influence of gestational window on offspring vascular health in rodents with in utero exposure to electronic cigarettes
- Natural products as kinase inhibitors in lung cancer: molecular mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and clinical trials
- Nicotine in electronic cigarettes
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.