The role of social network processes in weight-related behaviours among young Bangladeshi women

Background Excess body weight (EBW) includes overweight and obesity which is primarily caused by a sustained positive energy balance. Social network processes play an important role in shaping the weight-related behaviours (WRBs). However, there is limited evidence regarding how social network processes influence WRBs in collectivist South Asian contexts. Methods An online survey was conducted with 444 Bangladeshi women aged 18 to 25 years. Drawing from Powell et al.’s (2015) model of social processes influencing EBW, the survey measured a range of social network variables: social contagion (e.g., social norms, social mirroring, and social media influence), social capital (social support), and homophily (e.g., social selection and social clustering). These variables were associated with perceived WRBs and weight perception. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis assessed associations between social network processes and self-reported perceived healthy eating, unhealthy eating, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and weight. Results After accounting for environmental context factors, inclusion of the social network variables resulted in statistically significant but modest increases in explained variance (5.8% to 14.4%) across all behavioural and perceptual outcomes. The strength of associations differed by behavioural domain. Social norms demonstrated a stronger relationship with dietary behaviours whereas social clustering and social media influence were more strongly associated with sedentary behaviour and weight perception. Environmental correlates and social support variables demonstrated limited and context-dependent associations. Conclusion Social network processes are associated with perceived WRBs among young Bangladeshi women; however, the observed effect sizes remained modest, consistent with the extant literature examining the impact of social influences on WRBs among young women. EBW prevention strategies targeting young women may incorporate norm-based, peer-oriented, and digitally informed approaches in conjunction with structural interventions. These findings indicate relational and digital contexts may be associated with WRBs’ patterning in collectivist settings, highlighting the need for further research.