Tobacco Dependence in Eating Disorders and Obesity

In Germany, at the time of the last microcensus survey (2017), 26.4% of men and 18.6% of women older than 15 years smoked. Today, smoking is considered the most significant single risk factor for a variety of serious illnesses and premature death in industrialized countries. Very few clinical studies have so far investigated smoking behavior in patients with bulimia nervosa (BN) or anorexia nervosa (AN). An examination of smoking motives showed that women with an eating disorder had a significantly higher motivation to smoke compared to a control group with depression. Smoking is used as a means of weight control and serves to cope with anxiety and stress. Patients with BN have an increased risk of smoking and often develop a strong tobacco addiction. In particular, in the case of obesity, smoking cessation is an essential factor in reducing morbidity and mortality.