Thanks, Melissa! I completely agree. We controlled for baseline BMI (measured at the same time as social connections) to address reverse causation. It would be really interesting to explore the bidirectional relationship further with cross-lagged panel models!

2/2 Findings 🔎

Stronger peer connections = flatter trajectories 📉
Stronger family ties = steeper trajectories 📈

This shows the nuanced role of adolescent relationships in shaping long-term health 💡

My later PhD studies extend these findings to other life stages & adiposity outcomes ✍️

Hopefully we will get another chance to chat 😊