Doctoral candidate Kaitlyn Adams co-author on T32 REACH program publication

Kaitlyn Adams, doctoral candidate in the School of Kinesiology and member of the Lifestyle Activity to Advance Cancer Equity (LACE) Lab, conducted work in collaboration with pre- and postdoc fellows during her time in the REACH T32 program using Project EAT data producing a publication, "Changes in weight talk and links with body satisfaction across adolescence and young adulthood," in the Body Image journal. This study explored how weight talk from parents and romantic partners shifts from adolescence into young adulthood and how these messages shape body satisfaction over time. Drawing on data from 994 participants, the team used multilevel tobit regression and time-varying effect modeling to map changes in weight talk and age-specific impacts on body image. Findings showed that although weight talk decreases as young people get older, its negative influence on body satisfaction remains significant across several developmental periods. Overall, the study highlights the lasting impact of appearance-focused comments and reinforces the need for supportive, health-centered communication throughout adolescence and young adulthood.