Information for Gemini twins
We would like to introduce ourselves, we are the Gemini research team; Clare, Ali, Andrea, Abi, Alice, Lisa, Kristiane and Karima. We are very grateful to all our Gemini families for their help with this very important study. As a Gemini twin, we regularly ask for your help to learn more about the lives and eating habits of young people across the UK. We want to use this page to explain a bit more about the Gemini study and keep you updated with our plans for the future.
What is the Gemini Twin Study?
The Gemini ​Twin Study was set up to better understand how children and their families develop and grow. Over the past 14 years, we have investigated a large number of topics including; eating habits, growth, likes and dislikes, the home environment and many more. We have asked your parents lots of questions about you and your family, starting when you were tiny babies. All of this information has helped us to understand more about growth and development, and has even enabled us to advise charities, health workers, and politicians about helping children lead healthier lives.
Twins are particularly important for researchers because they can tell us about how nature (our genes) and nurture (our experiences) influence how we grow and who we become. To find out more about this watch our short video below.
What is my role in the Gemini Twin Study?
Now that you are teenagers, we would like to hear from you directly! We are asking you and your twin to take part because you have been a very valuable part of the Gemini study since the day you were born. By answering questions about youself and your family, you are contributing to ground-breaking and exciting research that will help to shape healthier environments for future generations.
If you do decide to keep helping us with this research, we will ask you questions about your school life, the activities you take part in, what you like to eat, as well as what you think about food and your appearance. We also regularly collect information about your growth such as height and weight measurements. Everything you tell us is kept completely private. When we store your information, your name is replaced with a number so no one can identify who you are.
It is up to you to decide whether you want to take part in each aspect of the Gemini study. If you decide you don’t want to take part in something, you don’t even need to explain why. If you are worried about any of the questions we ask, you can talk to your parents, a teacher or a friend.
When will I be contacted again?
We will be in touch with you and your family at regular intervals to tell you about what we have been doing and to invite you to take part in new projects. We will send out letters and emails, and occasionally get in touch via phone. We will also be releasing regular blog posts that will keep you up to date with our latest research and projects across the team. We will check you are still happy to answer questions the next time we get in touch.
What is the Gemini team working on at the moment?
We’re always busy working on a wide range of research projects using the valuable information you and your parents have shared with us over the years. Thanks to you, Gemini continues to help answer important questions about child development, health, and wellbeing.
​
Here’s what we’re currently working on:
🌱 The Transition to Adulthood Study
Right now, we’re inviting you the twins to take part in the next round of Gemini surveys — this time focusing on the transition from adolescence into early adulthood.
We want to understand more about why some young people develop healthy eating habits, a positive relationship with food, and feel good about their bodies — while others may find this more difficult or experience challenges. Your responses will help us explore these important differences and learn how best to support young people during this key stage of life.
​​
🧠What Our PhD Students Are Working On
Our fantastic PhD students — Gaby, Chiara and Emma — are leading some exciting projects using Gemini data:
Gaby is looking at diet diaries from early childhood, exploring how eating more ultra-processed foods as a toddler or young child might be linked to weight gain all the way into adolescence.
Chiara is mapping out local food environments using families’ postcodes — like how many fast food outlets or supermarkets are nearby — to see if where families live has an impact on children’s diet and weight over time.
Emma is studying the link between wellbeing and weight throughout development — asking how emotional and mental health might relate to weight at different ages.
If you ever have any questions about Gemini, you (or your parents) are always welcome to get in touch at gemini@ucl.ac.uk. We’d love to hear from you.
Thank you again for being such an important part of the Gemini story. Your continued participation helps us answer big questions and make a real difference in the lives of young people and families.
