Overweight and obesity are influenced by many factors, including eating and exercise habits, genetics and the shared environment. Having these conditions can have a negative effect on many systems in your body and increase the risk of health problems.
But although there are many things that we can do to lose weight or avoid becoming overweight or obese, many people still find the process of losing weight extremely difficult to achieve.
At present, overweight and obesity are considered as a public health problem that has become epidemic worldwide, that’s why many studies are being conducted to help find a solution and prevent these conditions.
But do you know that a study links people around you like your friend also contributes as a factor for you to gain more weight and become obese?
According to a research study conducted by the University of Southern California (USC), aside from “genetics” and “shared environment,” there is also what they call “social contagion” that contributes to a higher risk of obesity.
Social contagion in obesity means that if more people around you are obese, then there is a great chance that you will also gain weight and become obese.
In other words, there’s a tendency for some people to adopt such things like lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits of the people they’re living with, without them knowing.
However, it is very important to note that the takeaway here isn't to blame the obese or overweight people, rather we should be aware of the unconscious social cues that could be affecting our well being and increase our chances of having these conditions. After all, it is still our duty to maintain our body healthy.
If you want to prevent obesity and being overweight, it’s all about practicing and maintaining a lifestyle that includes healthy eating and regular physical activity.
source: definitelyfilipino