Science has given us yet another reason for our increased girth. and pounds, friends. A recent New England Medical Journal published a study that indicates you might be able to blame your friends for your excessive baggage.
Researchers found if you have an overweight friend you are 57 percent more likely to become obese too. If it is a close friend that number increases to a whopping 171 percent. Remarkably the close friend can be someone you see often or someone living hundreds of miles away! It seems obesity can spread like melted butter.
The study provides data on how Americans are growing fatter with every generation. For the first time ever there is a high probability that children will die before their parents because of health problems linked to obesity. This study does point out how our choices may effect others. It also raises the issue of personal responsibility Has our society become one that chooses the easiest way over what is the best choice?
(For excellent information and resources on obesity and weight management go to :
---The U.S. Library of Medicine at nlm.nih.gov
---Medline Plus, a branch of the National Institute of Health at medlineplus.gov)
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