Can Your Friends Influence Your Weight?

TL;DR: Can your friends influence your weight? A 2007 New England Journal of Medicine study that followed a large social network over 32 years found your chances of becoming obese rose 57% if a friend did, 40% if a sibling did and 37% if a partner did. The lesson: choose your friends wisely, and be a good friend by being the healthiest version of yourself.

There is growing research suggesting our Health is influenced by our Social Network.

Take this 2007 New England Journal of Medicine study by Christakis & Fowler which found:

• if your friend becomes obese, your chances of becoming obese increase by 57%.
• If your sibling becomes obese, your chances of becoming obese increase by 40%.
• If your partner becomes obese, your chances of becoming obese increase by 37%.

(One reason I'm so pumped when our members of our gym become friends - they inadvertently increase their chances of success purely by choosing who they spend more time with.)

Two quick lessons:

1. Choose your friends wisely (they're affecting your Health!
2. Be a good friend (by being the healthiest version of yourself!)
   

References

1. Christakis NA, Fowler JH. The spread of obesity in a large social network over 32 years. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2007. doi:10.1056/NEJMsa066082