Put Your Pals on a Diet

A new study suggests we are likely to be only as thin as the company we keep.

From Reader's Digest

Change Text Size

Change Text Size
|
Bookmark

Bookmark

Del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon
TwitThis
|
Print
|
E-Mail

It's the weight-loss craze that's sweeping the nation! After a recent New England Journal of Medicine study declared that people can actually "catch" obesity from close friends, health-conscious Americans are chucking their tubby pals in favor of thin people they don't like.

Okay, not exactly. But when researchers followed 12,067 people over 32 years, they concluded that those of us with very close friends who are obese have a 171% chance of becoming obese too. The theory goes like this: You're influenced by your friends, and if they overeat, you may unwittingly follow their lead.

Even geographical distance is no barrier, which means you can catch obesity over the phone. Surprisingly, spouses have less sway over the belly than close friends of the same sex.

The good news: It may also work in reverse. Hang out with thin people and you might lose weight.

From Reader's Digest - November 2007

Should Everyone Read This? Yes! I vote for this story

Stop Drafts Around Windows and Doors and Save Energy
Cut energy bills by removing the trim around windows and doors and re-insulating around the jamb with expanding foam sealant.
6 Delicious Christmas Cookie Recipes
Bake a batch of any of these easy to follow recipes or just drool over the stunning Christmas cookie pictures.
50 Funniest Jokes
Laugh more, live longer with the funniest jokes ever.
Easy Ways to Improve Your Vision
Learn how to keep your eyes in tiptop shape.
Thanksgiving Desserts
It will be difficult to wait until the end of the meal for these gorgeous desserts.