Modeling and Mitigating Obesity Spread Using Graph Theory and Decentralized Control
This project aims to model the spread of obesity-related behaviors among high school students in Maryland by representing peer influence as a social network. Using tools from graph theory and simple control strategies, we simulate how local actions such as increased physical activity or peer mentoring can lead to healthier outcomes across the population. Our results quantify how small, targeted efforts can collectively reduce obesity risk in Maryland's youth communities.