Peer Effects on Weight Status, Dietary Behaviour and Physical Activity among Adolescents in Europe: Findings from the I.Family Study

on behalf of the I.Family Consortium

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

17 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

This study uses survey data from the I.Family Study to investigate the association between adolescent and peer overweight in a sample of adolescents aged 12–16 from six European countries. We find clear evidence of peer effects on body mass index, waist circumference and body fat, which are stronger among adolescents at the upper end of overweight distribution. We also provide evidence that both consumption of less healthy foods and time spent in leisure time physical activity and audio-visual media are positively associated with similar behaviours among friends. These observations may suggest that peer effects on adolescent overweight operate by influencing friends’ behaviour patterns, especially unhealthy food consumption and physical (in)activity.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)270-296
Number of pages27
JournalKyklos
Volume72
Issue number2
Early online date6 Feb 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2019

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