Is obesity contagious? A study, reported yesterday by USA Today, seems to think so, at least socially. Numbers reveal that Americans with obese friends are more likely to become obese themselves.
“We find that having four obese friends doubled people’s chance of becoming obese compared to people with no obese friends,” says Alison Hill, the study’s lead author and a Harvard researcher.
The study also found that the more obese people one has contact with regularly — meaning not just close friends — the more likely one is to become obese as well.
One explanation is that friends encourage unhealthy eating habits, or at the very least are not a positive nutritional influence. But more likely than not, in my opinion, the link isn’t causal. It’s just that certain parts of the country and more obesity-prone than others, so if you live in those areas you’re A) more likely to be obese and B) going to have obese friends.
From USA Today.
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{ 46 comments }
This is not true for my group of friends at least. I have many skinny friends. And although I am not obese, I am one of the heaviest and shortest, which is doubly bad.
I think this is worse among family members. This sure is true based on what i have seen!
I can see merit in this study. I have friends that are vegetarian, so when we go out I find myself eating more vegetables. My other friends that are on the heavier side always pick resturants like cheesecake factory where the portions are huge!
No LOL, is crazy a littel funny too cause imagine than you can be fat is you have some "big" friends all people never going to have all kind of friends but people don't see this, they only see this and not the person and is very sad, everybody is especial in their own way you know? And even this could happen I still have "big" friends.
I have one Girl friend and she is like that, but is not cause she eat too much is than her parent are like that and the genetic is something amazing!
i don't think this is true…people make their own eating habits-my best friend is obese, but we both help each other eat healthily and we are working on losing weight..i think habits may be socially conscious but its all about frame of mind, not if someone is obese or not
I think it has to do with bad habits. People are comfortable around other people with similar bad habits. Someone who is obese is not going to want to hang around with someone who jogs and eats vegetables. Not until they are ready to change.
Healthy friends look to hang out with other friends with healthy habits…Obese people will search for friends that eat the same way they do, so they don't feel criticized or watched…If you see people who decides to stop being obese and to start jogging, riding bike or swimming their friend circle changes automatically because that person will do everything in his power to stay away from fatty foods and bad eating habits. This is not about the "person" is about the kind of lifestyle and habits you want to have around you everyday. With a bunch of obese friends you can not share workout programs practice fun sports or cook healthy recipes unless you are Jillian Michaels is not something personal, is something about enjoying hanging out with people with healthy habits or fatty habits.
Trying to lose weight on your own without the support of the people around you (including friends) is not easy. The more you are surrounded by people who have unhealthy diet practices and are unwilling to support you or try to make you do what they do then, yes this can actually happen.
But I think everybody has a responsibility to take control of their health and food habits – if you try to be committed you CAN be in a healthy weight!
So blaming others for your lack of commitment is irresponsible.
this makes sense. it's probably true for drinking and recreational drug use as well. peer pressure (good or bad) is powerful!
I disagree that obesity is contagious. However, I do agree that to some extent, those around us can definitely influence our eating habits and decisions. For example, when couples get married, they sometimes both gain weight. I've read this in many articles. I think the word contagious is the wrong word to use in this instance…
Contagious is the perfect description because implies that obesity spreads among the same peer group that hangs out together… a heavy person hanging among heavier friends, will end up heavier, why? because it will be contaminated with the eating habits and lifestyle of the friends that person shares time with. Who ever you spend time with is who you become. Sounds even discriminatory, BUT it is true.
Nobody is really talking about this and I’m glad you blogged about it. I’m definitely going to forward this to a few friends. I can see both sides of the arguement and think there is something to be said about your associations. It's not like this is something like a flu virus being passed around but rather what triggers our behaviors. You tend to pick up the habits and patterns of those you associate it. Dont' believe this is true, watch how you all of a sudden start talking like a friend you just recently met and starting spend a lot of time with. Without even thinking about it you'll start using words they use, etc. Something to think about.
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