Disordered eating and vaping in athlete and non-athlete college students: Does sex matter?

OBJECTIVE: Vaping prevalence is rising among young adults, with linked evidence to disordered eating. Given the unique pressures of performance and body image in athletics, this study examines vaping-eating disorder (ED) risk associations comparing college athletes and non-athletes. PARTICIPANTS: Data was gathered from U.S. college students in the 2021-2022 Healthy Minds Study. METHODS: Students reported past-30-day vaping and completed the SCOFF (Sick, Control, One, Fat, Food) questionnaire. Logistic regressions tested vaping-ED risk associations with athlete status as a covariate, adjusting for confounders. Athlete status did not independently predict ED risk or moderate the vaping-ED risk associations, while sex did moderate this association. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the need for integrated mental health campus initiatives addressing substance use and disordered eating behaviors among athletes and non-athletes.