Weight gain in girls linked to lifestyle choices

Internet usage, duration of sleep, and alcohol consumption may all be factors associated with increased weight gain in girls, according to the online Journal of Pediatrics.

Investigators analyzed data from surveys submitted to 5,036 girls ages 14 to 21. Respondents answered questions about hours of sleep per night, time spent online, the amount of alcoholic and coffee beverages consumed, and height and weight at the beginning and end of the study.

Results showed that more time spent on the Internet, more alcohol consumed, and less time spent sleeping were associated with gradual weight gain. No link was found between coffee drinking and weight gain.

Data also revealed that 12.7% of the study participants were overweight, 4.8% were obese, and 4.7% were very lean.