Effects of weight-focused social comparisons on diet and activity outcomes in overweight and obese young women

Abstract

Objective To investigate social comparison processes as a potential mechanism by which social networks impact young women's weight control thoughts and behaviors and to examine whether social comparisons with close social ties (i.e., friends) have a greater influence on weight control outcomes relative to more emotionally distant ties. Methods Using Ecological Momentary Assessment, overweight young adult women (N = 46; M age = 19; M BMI = 29) reported the nature and effects of weight-focused social comparisons on dieting and exercising intentions and on behaviors during their daily routine. Results Relative to social comparisons to targets of the same weight, weight-focused comparisons to both thinner and heavier individuals led to increased thoughts of dieting and exercising. Moreover, comparisons to thinner targets also increased the likelihood of engaging in actual dieting and exercising behaviors. Weight comparisons to friends amplified these effects. Conclusions Weight-focused social comparisons may be one mechanism by which social networks impact weight control thoughts and behaviors. Obesity interventions with young adults may achieve better outcomes by harnessing social comparison processes in treatment.