Weight concerns, dieting behavior, and smoking initiation among adolescents: a prospective study

Students (n = 1705) in grades 7 through 10 were surveyed at baseline and 1 year later about their weight concerns, dieting behaviors, and smoking behavior. Three of six weight concerns and dieting behaviors assessed at baseline were prospectively related to smoking initiation in girls (trying to lose weight, eating disorder symptoms, constant thoughts about weight). Four of six weight concerns and dieting behaviors were cross-sectionally related to current smoking at baseline in girls (trying to lose weight, eating disorder symptoms, fear of weight gain, desire to be thin). Weight concerns and dieting behaviors were largely unrelated to current smoking in boys. Implications for smoking prevention efforts are discussed.