Adolescent affiliations and adiposity: a social network analysis of friendships and obesity

J Adolesc Health. 2009 Aug;45(2):202-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2009.01.007. Epub 2009 Mar 17.

Abstract

Friendship choices and BMI were measured for 617 adolescents 11-15 years of age. Overweight youth were twice as likely to have overweight friends. There was a weak association between social position and weight status. Overweight youth nominated more friends but were nominated as friends less frequently than their normal weight peers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adiposity*
  • Adolescent
  • Body Mass Index
  • Child
  • Female
  • Friends*
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Los Angeles / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Obesity* / epidemiology
  • Peer Group*
  • Social Support*