Impotence Medications

Recent studies conducted at both Harvard Medical School and the University of California at San Diego arrived at the conclusion that our friends have just as much influence on whether or not we gain weight or lose weight as any other identifiable factor, including genetics. The studies showed that weight gain or weight loss can spread among friends like the common cold.

What was really surprising about the studies is that even good friends who live many miles apart can influence the weight gain or loss just by e-mailing, communicating or seeing each other even occasionally.

What this information appears to point out is that the people we care about, share our feelings, thoughts and values with, have a profound effect on what we view as acceptable, “normal” and appropriate in terms of behaviors which include food consumption and even body size.

If our best friend gains 50 pounds after having a baby, then maybe we do not look at weight gain as such a bad thing and are more comfortable gaining a few pounds because our friend, that we care about and value, has put on weight.

In the same way, if our friends lose weight, start to exercise regularly, stop smoking or get divorced we are more likely to have a greater comfort level with these experiences and may even allow ourselves to take up exercise, go on a diet, or re-assess our relationship.

What is important about this information is that the studies appear to confirm the expression that “water seeks its own level” – we are often a reflection of those we choose to keep close to us and have relationships with. The idea that we unconsciously absorb and emulate the values and behaviors of those we care about can be both a dark cloud but also provide a silver lining. We can use this information to create positive change in our lifestyle and invite our friends to do it with us.

One of the reasons the Weight Watchers program has been so successful is because it is delivered within a social context where many of the participants become close friends, provide support and share food preparation and eating behaviors, as well as the Weight Watchers weight loss method itself.

We are more likely to lose weight if we are conscious of how we, and our friends, are making lifestyle choices and work on removing or adding changes that will improve our body weight and create greater health.

- Dr. Georgianna Donadio