Can you "catch" Obesity? Research says Yes.
Come on, we can all think of that friend we like to have a glass of wine with on the weekends (or that friend who can help us down a few large pizzas). I admit, I can definitely think of mine, you know who you are ;) But can we "catch" dietary habits from our friends?
Khan Academy asks this interesting question, "Is Obesity Contagious" in this short but eye-opening article (link below).
The results of research studies show that obesity tends to spread through a social network, similar to a contagion (yikes). So, when a person gains weight friends in that person's social group are also likely to gain weight; in fact, 53% more likely. The study also examined the effect of relationships between people who have similar versus dissimilar health traits. People in a social group with similar health traits are likely to remain friends, while people with dissimilar health traits are likely to have a friendship dissolve. Interestingly, eating patterns that people report as most likely to be shared include "alcohol and snacks." So, it seems that drinking buddies, and snacking buddies, are a thing after all!
What stands out to me about this article is the strength of the associations between social group health status and personal health status. If obesity truly can spread like a contagion, should we not inoculate ourselves against it en mass? Just by helping one person, adult or child, to take the path to healthier eating we may be able to influence an entire social network of people, and the social networks of each individual in these networks, and so on; as you can see, the results could be exponentially positive!
This is why I love what I do, exploring ways to help people make better food choice decisions, and why this project, "Happy Meal, Healthy Child. . ." is so important to me.
Thanks for staying tuned in this latest lab note! Let the research continue . . .
Figure below: courtesy of Khan Academy
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