Promoting weight-related health in the next generation of adolescents and young adults:A comprehensive program of research - ABSTRACT Promoting weight-related health is vital to cardiovascular health and a public health priority. The Project EAT (Eating and Activity over Time) research has informed a paradigm shift regarding how to address weight- related health. Specifically, findings have shown the need to address the full spectrum of weight-related health, including weight status, dietary intake, physical activity, body image, disordered eating (e.g., binge eating, unhealthy weight control practices), and eating disorders, in addition to social determinants of these outcomes. The socio-environmental contexts of adolescents and young adults today (i.e., those who make up Generation Z born between 1997-2012) have dramatically changed since Project EAT began following adolescent Millennials (i.e., those born between 1981-1996) in 1998. For example, there have been vast changes in technology and young people are being exposed to a proliferation of image-based social media (e.g., TikTok) with mixed messages about weight-related health (e.g., new weight loss medications, body positivity). If we are to effectively promote weight-related health and health equity across ethnicity/race and socio-economic status in the next generation of young people, it is crucial to understand the most salient issues facing today’s adolescents and young adults. The ultimate goal of this R35 is to promote the broad spectrum of weight-related health in the next generation of adolescents and young adults. To achieve this goal, the R35 will integrate research, community partnerships, and training. For the first time, Project EAT will collect data on a national sample of 2000 Gen Z adolescents and young adults. Additionally, we will leverage the existing Project EAT Millennial-generation cohorts by collecting data from both cohort members and their Gen Z adolescent and young adult children (expected n=1000 parent-child dyads), for an intergenerational study across two generations of young people. We will also conduct qualitative data collection for a deep understanding of the weight-related issues facing Gen Z young people; rapid response surveys to assess the impact of socio-environmental influences in real time; and innovative substudies for in- depth explorations of timely topics. The result will be the most comprehensive dataset to date on weight- related health among diverse adolescents, young adults, and their parents. To ensure that our data are used to make a positive difference, we will work in partnership with two Community Advisory Boards; one comprised of diverse adolescents and young adults and the other comprised of professionals (e.g., health care providers). We will also integrate training throughout the research program to ensure that future scientists are prepared to address weight-related health in young people, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. This R35 aligns with the NHLBI Strategic Vision. It will support a highly dedicated and productive researcher, along with a strong team, to carry out a timely, impactful, and innovative program of research and training to significantly advance science, enhance weight-related health, and work toward greater health equity.
