Female teens' weight influenced by peers
Girls' weight loss behaviour can be directly linked to the eating habits and diet plans of their peers, a new study has found.Research published in the March issue of the Journal of Health and Social Behaviour revealed that teens in schools with higher average female body mass index' (BMI) are less likely to try losing weight.
Lead author of the report Anna Mueller, from the University of Texas at Austin, said: "Our findings provide evidence that girls' weight-control behaviours are more complicated than often assumed.
"Every school does not have the same emphasis on being thin and losing weight, and even within schools, girls respond to the school culture differently."
According to the researchers, body image and diets of teen groups has a significant impact on weight loss habits and image perception among young girls.
Adolescents are advised to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and cut foods high in fats, sugar and salt out of their daily diets.
