Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Obesity is 'socially contagious'

A study by Harvard and the University of California, San Diego found that obesity is socially contagious, spreading from person to person in a social network. The greatest effect was seen among friends, with a 171% increase in chances of becoming obese if a mutual friend becomes obese.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 25, 2007

Obesity spreads through social networks

Researchers found that when an individual gains weight, their friends and siblings have a significantly increased risk of becoming obese. The closer two people are in a social network, the stronger the effect. Geographical distance appears to have no effect, suggesting that environmental factors play a smaller role.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 25, 2007

NDRI researchers report on transitions to injecting drug use among noninjecting heroin users

NDRI researchers studied non-injecting heroin users transitioning to injection, finding it's not universal and influenced by individual characteristics and social networks. The study highlights the importance of understanding these factors to prevent infectious diseases like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

SourceNational Development & Research Institutes·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateMay 5, 2006