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

J Am Coll Health. 2026 Jun 10:1-7. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2026.2674301. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

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.

RESULTS: Overall, 18.1% of respondents reported vaping and 32.8% screened positive for ED risk. Vaping was associated with higher ED risk (adjusted OR = 1.45, p < .001). 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.

PMID:42268667 | DOI:10.1080/07448481.2026.2674301