Childhood social factors and their impact on young adulthood obesity

Obesity is a growing concern in the United States, particularly among children and adolescents. This study aimed to ascertain what factors including school/peer influences, culture, family lifestyle, and neighborhood environment, during individuals’ adolescence, impact their weight as young adults. The researcher conducted a survey that was given to students at a private catholic college in southern New England. A survey instrument was developed and distributed as a Facebook event restricted to college students at the specific institution, and additionally was distributed to one social work undergraduate course. The findings indicated that participant’s weight was most influenced by family lifestyle and school environment factors. By learning this information the researcher was able to make implications for practice, policy, and research.