Social Network Obesity Theory Completely Debunked

In case you missed it, the social networking theory that obesity can be spread just by knowing and being friends with obese people has been thoroughly debunked.

In the ever well-done Junkfood Science blog, Sandy Szwarc said  “A social networking theory of contagious chin dimples might have been understood as implausible, but not so of obesity.”

The new study put together a series of probably conditions – and indeed, having acne and being tall can NOT spread via Facebook.

I could go on a “what the hell is wrong with people?” rant here, but it wouldn’t really contribute to the conversation. The reality is is that fat is not catching, and while the social factors of food are embedded into shaping culture itself, sitting next to your chubby aunt will not make your butt spread so it can reach over to say hello.

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Tags: Nutrition and Metabolism Disorders, obesity, Sandy Szwarc, Social network service

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 21st, 2009 at 12:00 pm and is filed under Health. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.