Association of social network factors with weight status and weight loss intentions among hispanic adults

Hispanic adults have the highest obesity prevalence in the United States, but little is known about weight-related social network influences. A community-based sample of 610 Hispanic participants completed height/weight and a survey. The proportion of overweight or obese (OW/OB) network members was higher for OW/OB respondents compared to normal weight respondents. Participants with high weight loss intentions reported more positive social norms for weight control, social support, and social cohesion. If most or all of OW/OB participant’s social contacts were trying to lose weight, the odds that they were likely to try to lose weight was four times higher than other participants. The relationship between weight loss intentions and number of social contacts trying to lose weight was strongly mediated by social norms for weight control and social support. These results suggest that social contacts and functional network characteristics may impact weight status and weight control intentions among Hispanic adults.