There is no possible way that all of it is b.s.

It stands to reason that people like to be around other people that are like themselves. They tend to share some of the same viewpoints, habits, and lifestyle choices. Those similar lifestyle choices affect different people different ways. Such as:

Two friends who eat fast food a lot together, but one has a better metabolism. Each friend's decision on what to eat was affected by the other friend. However, because of the differences in body make-up and performance, one does not get fat.

It's common sense that after sharing times with your friends, participating in the same activities and other things, those things start to change you and your friend(s) in similar ways.

 

Because I am one, doesn't mean I flock with them. I do not flock together!
I am what I am and make no excuses for it! I'm happy with ME!

 

I think it's crap. It all falls down to a persons own motivation and desires. I have a lot of friends I consider pretty stupid but that doesn't make me think it's okay to be stupid or make me want to be stupid. I've never looked at one of my big friends and thought that I should put on some weight. I mean I'm not as thin as I was years ago before I had kids when I was out chasing tail and drinking all the time but I think that goes for just about everyone. It's easy to see how I was thinner because my diet consisted of mainly alcohol and when I wasn't at work, at the bar, or with women I was constantly skateboarding. I guess before I was thin for my frame but not I'm a little fuller and healthier. I think it's okay for a person to be heavy if they are comfortable with it so I don't nag my friends that are big. My wife thinks I should nag one of my buddies to lose some weight because she's worried about his health even though he has had no previous problems caused by his weight and he's been big his whole life. And when I say big I mean big. He's as tall as he is heavy. To me it seems like they're trying to find yet another thing to blame American obesity on. Just like how American violence is all heavy metal, the media, movies, wrestling, and video games fault.

 

Some of you are reacting as if the article was directed personally towards you. The article does not say we are weak minded people and have no control over our behavior from the result of outside influences. They are simply giving us odds and likelihoods. The article clearly states statistics and results.

I truly believe that society CAN play a part of influencing EVERYONE.

Whether you want to believe it or not, we can all be influenced; the clothes you wear, the cars you drive, health (good or bad), the music you listen to, etc.

Are we doomed to be eternally controlled by society; NO! The fact that we acknowledge the influences will allow us to make our own decisions.

 

I'm not a "Flocker" either, though I have been called something close to that at times! My problem is I just like to eat!! My weight has yoyo'd up and down since I was 15! And that was almost 60 Years ago. Anywhere from 185 to 240 lbs. And I can't blame it on anyone else but me.

 

well almost 95 percent of my friends are skinny so why havent they made me skinny from hanging around them?? sounds like someone got a bunch of grant money for some stupid research from the gov...
I am what i am from my own choices and it has nothing to do with lazziness etc...

 

Maybe if you're the follower type rather than the leader type.

 

Butter, gravy, sauces, my wife's baking...that makes me fat...hahaha. I am what I am and I am kinda' comfortable. Studies like this one may have validity, but does it really matter ??? If I decide to change, I will, if not I'll have another baked potato with butter...

 

HAHA, indeed, dude....