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As obesity and its associated medical problems become more common, researchers are trying to sort out behavioral from biologic etiologies. A novel analysis now suggests that social life may play a larger role than previously thought.
Researchers analyzed data from 12,067 participants in the Framingham Heart Study. Periodic health assessments from 1971 to 2003 collected standard medical information and the name of at least one “close friend.” Investigation found that friendship with an individual who became obese during the study period was significantly associated with developing obesity oneself: This correlation remained significant to three degrees of separation (a friend of a friend of a friend). For same-sex friendships, the overall prob…