BMI as a moderator of the relationship between stigmatizing attitudes and smoking: An exploratory study

Background Individuals who smoke report higher body dissatisfaction and engage in weight control smoking more than the general population. The effects that stigmatizing weight-related attitudes and body mass index have on smoking remain unclear. Methods Via an online survey, this exploratory study examined whether endorsing anti-fat attitudes is associated with higher smoking frequency with BMI as a moderator. Participants were recruited via posts on a social news and discussion website, as well as a subject pool from a U.S. university. The sample consisted of 118 participants (62.5% female; M-age = 24.19, SD = 6.73). The Anti-Fat Attitudes Test was used to measure anti-fat beliefs. BMI and monthly smoking frequency were also measured. Multiple regression analyses were used to test the relationship between anti-fat attitudes and smoking frequency with BMI as a moderator. Results Although anti-fat attitudes overall were not associated with smoking frequency, the interaction between anti-fat attitudes specific to weight control and blame and BMI was significantly associated with smoking frequency. Conclusion Individuals with average or lower BMIs who attribute weight status to a lack of willpower and self-control may smoke at higher rates. Addressing specific forms of anti-fat beliefs in smoking prevention and cessation programs may help mitigate smoking-related risks.