Journal article

Publication year: 2019

Pages: 270-296

Journal: Kyklos: International Review for Social Sciences

Volume number: 72

Issue number: 2

ISSN: 0023-5962

Open access status: Green

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1111/kykl.12197

Publisher: Wiley

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.

Harvard Citation style: Gwozdz, W., Nie, P., Sousa-Poza, A., DeHenauw, S., Felso, R., Hebestreit, A., et al. (2019) Peer Effects on Weight Status, Dietary Behaviour and Physical Activity among Adolescents in Europe: Findings from the I.Family Study, Kyklos, 72(2), pp. 270-296. https://doi.org/10.1111/kykl.12197

APA Citation style: Gwozdz, W., Nie, P., Sousa-Poza, A., DeHenauw, S., Felso, R., Hebestreit, A., Iguacel, I., Lissner, L., Lauria, F., Page, A., Reisch, L., Tornaritis, M., Veidebaum, T., Williams, G., & Foraita, R. (2019). Peer Effects on Weight Status, Dietary Behaviour and Physical Activity among Adolescents in Europe: Findings from the I.Family Study. Kyklos. 72(2), 270-296. https://doi.org/10.1111/kykl.12197