Taylor, Katie S; Tattan-Birch, Harry; Danka, Martin N; Wright, Liam; Iob, Eleonora; Fancourt, Daisy; Kelly, Yvonne; (2025) Social connections with family and friends in adolescence: Shaping body mass index trajectories into adulthood. SSM - Population Health , 29 , Article 101756. 10.1016/j.ssmph.2025.101756.

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether adolescent social connections influence body mass index (BMI) trajectories into adulthood and explore whether associations are moderated by gender, ethnicity or age. METHODS: To investigate whether adolescent social connections influence body mass index (BMI) trajectories into adulthood and explore whether associations are moderated by gender, ethnicity or age. RESULTS: Stronger peer connections were associated with flatter BMI trajectories. For example, BMI for those with high peer contact was 0.79 kg/m2 lower [95% CI -1.20, −0.38] 22 years after baseline, compared to those with low contact. Stronger family connections were associated with steeper trajectories. For example, BMI for those with high family contact was 0.52 kg/m2 higher [95% CI 0.01, 1.02] 22 years after baseline, compared to those with low contact. DISCUSSION: Among adolescents, stronger peer connections were associated with flatter BMI trajectories and stronger family connections with steeper trajectories. Promotion of peer-based interventions could be explored as a strategy to promote healthy weight trajectories.

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