Is Obesity ContagiousIt seems absurd to believe that obesity is contagious. After all, haven't we been told that obesity is the result of poor food choices and lack of exercise? How in the world could obesity be contagious? There are some researchers who believe that human adenovirus is partly responsible for the obesity epidemic. The theory that a virus could cause obesity began when a scientist noticed that chickens infected with an avian adenovirus were fatter than those chickens that were not infected. This was most interesting because some who were studying the human obesity explosion were becoming suspicious that more than poor diet and lack of exercise were causing humans to gain girth. The human adenovirus AD-36 has been found in obese humans. Studies with animals show that while not all human adenoviruses cause obesity in animals, there are several that do. There also seems to be yet another risk factor for obesity. Research has shown that obesity can be socially contagious. It seems that if you spend too much time with others who are obese, your chances of becoming obese rises. This means that your family and friends can make you fat simply by association. Supposedly, your risk of obesity increases 57% if you have a friend who becomes obese. If it is a sibling that is obese, the risk increases by 40%. Chances of becoming obese increase to 37% if your spouse becomes obese. The study found that risk was higher for same gender friends or family than for opposite gender friends and family. If this study is valid, the good news is that it works the same way for weight loss. When friends or family begin losing weight, it motivates you to lose weight also. Whether either of these studies is valid is unknown. However, just to be safe, it might be a good idea to add hand washing to the list of ways to prevent obesity. Being mindful of the potential to gain weight as your friends and family gain weight might also serve as a protection in avoiding obesity. Since much of the data from both studies viewed as purely speculation, it is not known with any certainty that obesity is contagious. |
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Childhood Obesity - Food Does Not Equal Love
By Dean L Martin
Are you a parent that is afraid to say no? Do you need the affirmation of your children or loved ones to build up your own self esteem? There is nothing cuter than a plump and healthy baby or a chubby-cheeked toddler.
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Risk Management and Obesity
By Shiraz Hemani
If you work in the medical field you are probably familiar with the phrase Risk Management. Outside of caring for the patients, risk management is perhaps the most important issue facing a medical practice today. In recent years, American's of all ages have gotten heavier and health care professionals around the country seem to be struggling with obesity related risks. Managing these risks properly may prove to be the key in keeping a successful practice free of lawsuits.
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Growth in Childhood Obesity
By Dr. Mark Clayson
One of the more disturbing trends in today's society is that of childhood obesity. It has become an epidemic around the United States in the last two decades. Since the 1970s, there has been an alarming growth in the statistics of children and young adults who are considered to be obese...
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