Scientists Find That Social Influences Can Derail Healthy Eating Habits

To long-time dieters, it comes as no surprise that social situations can result in overeating. Dinner parties, sporting events, outdoor festivals, weddings, graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, you name it -- when large groups of people get together, it?s highly likely that one thing can lead to another and you?ll find yourself eating more than you?d planned to. Some people who are trying to lose weight shun social gatherings altogether, fearful that they?ll be unable to resist temptation when cutting loose and having fun with friends and family.

Although the negative impact of social situations on weight loss efforts have long been conventional wisdom to veteran dieters, researchers are just beginning to explore this concept and its practical implications for the millions of obese and overweight men, women, and children around the world. This week, we?ll take a look at several recent studies that have considered the impact of social interaction on obesity, weight loss, and health.

Is Obesity Contagious?

Study Finds that Individual Weight Fluctuates Based on the Average Weight of the Population

A groundbreaking study that compared individual weight trends to the overall weight trends of the larger population has uncovered interesting results about the social climate in which weight gain tends to occur. The study, which was undertaken by economists at the Department of Economics and Center for Demography and Population Health at Florida State University and the Research Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, used health data drawn from different historical periods to compare weight trends in the population.

The researchers found that the increased prevalence of obesity in the population is linked to more individual weight gains. They also found that the decrease in per-capita food prices in recent years also appeared to have contributed to increasing rates of obesity.

Researchers Find that Obesity Can ?Spread? Like an Infectious Disease

A recent study that evaluated the ?spread? of obesity in social networks has garnered a great deal of media attention in recent weeks. The study, conducted by a coalition of researchers at Harvard University and other institutions, found that the presence of one or more obese or overweight individuals in a social network -- groups which can include friends, family members, co-workers, and other acquaintances -- significantly increased the risk that other members of the group would also gain weight.

Although the researchers took pains to explain that obesity is not ?contagious? in the traditional sense of the term, they do agree that patterns of obesity spread often mimic the patterns seen in epidemiological studies of infections illnesses. They suggest that frequent exposure to others who are obese or overweight may subconsciously influence our concept of what constitutes a healthy or ?normal? weight.

While the scientists agree that environmental, genetic, and other factors have played a role in the obesity epidemic that much of the developed world is struggling with, social variables should also be considered as part of the problem -- and the solution.

Kids Report Liking Common Foods Better When Wrapped In Fast Food Packaging

Another recent study that has caused a stir in the debate over the social and cultural aspects of obesity and weight loss was conducted by Stanford University researchers. The scientists discovered that preschool-aged children expressed a virtually universal preference for foods presented in the packaging associated with McDonald?s fast food restaurants.

The children who participated in the study ranged from age 3 to age 5. When presented with common fast food items such as chicken nuggets and French fries, the study participants consistently expressed a stronger liking for the foods that were wrapped in McDonald?s packaging, rather than plain packaging or no packaging.

According to the study?s authors, these results are a testament to the strong influence of marketing and branding campaigns, even on the youngest members of society. Based on these findings, the authors of the study have called for the adoption of more responsible advertising practices, as well as healthier menu offerings, by the leading fast food chains. Public health advocates have also used these conclusions to remind parents to limit young children?s exposure to advertisements for fast food and other unhealthy items.

Don?t underestimate the power of social influences in your weight loss journey. Check back each week for more of the diet and weight loss research news that can help you achieve lasting success!