A new study has found more teenage girls are smoking to keep their weight down thanks to models like Kate Moss.
The study published Tobacco Control medical journal claims girls who aren’t worried about their weight are far less likely to light up than those who strive to stay thin.
Dr. Kaori Honjo wrote:
“This is the first study to examine whether the importance of being thin is an initiating factor for smoking among younger female adolescents. One possibility is if a girl believes that smoking promotes weight loss she is likely to develop smoking behaviour. It has been unclear whether teenage girls initiate smoking with the intention to control weight, or whether dieting and smoking are part of a larger constellation of unhealthy behaviours. This study suggests it is crucial to broaden the scope of health programs and policies to protect adolescent health.”
We think this is a good start.
[Image via AP Images.]