14 DAY TRIAL // Weight loss is apparently just as contagious as obesity, in terms of how it acts through social networks. Over the past few years, studies have shown that obesity can literally ripple through social circles, affecting more and more people. A new investigation shows the same is true for weight loss.
Studies such as this one make you think about what other types of behaviors or decisions ripple through our society in the same manner. Without proper research, all we can do is assume that most beliefs, activities and hobbies do, according to PsychCentral.
“We know that obesity can be socially contagious, but now we know that social networks play a significant role in weight loss as well, particularly team-based weight loss competitions,” the team behind the study explains.
What was interesting about the competitive weight-loss campaign researchers set up was that it was conducted online, over a period of 12 weeks. Even without meeting face-to-face, participants were able to influence each other through online social circles.