Today's post is about an idea that has been floating around my work world for a few weeks now, so I decided to write a little bit about it. I've worked on several of our expert blogs pertaining to the idea that the company you keep influences your weight. Whether it be your friends, partner or coworkers, there is significant evidence to show that the people you hang out with affect your poundage.While the idea is a little "duh" to me, I think it's interesting to actually think about. I, for one, am definitely one of the folks that will cause you to pack on the pounds if we spend too much time together. By sheer luck I am fortunate enough to have a great metabolism and stay thin regardless of the junk I put into my body (and lemme tell ya, I eat a lot of junk!) I think we are all creatures of habit, especially couples, and it's easy to fall into a pattern of poor eating and low exercise.
One of the iVillage Experts, Madelyn Fernstrom, wrote a blog entry called "Is Your Partner Making You Fat?" and I think it's really interesting. Here's a piece of the entry about why partners tend to plump each other up:
A new relationship: New love is both blind and hungry. Seriously, because we have such a big focus on food in our country, a very typical social activity is eating - often. Meals, snacks, late-ngiht - you name it.A show of support: Eating the same foods together is a bonding experience. Often, women take on the eating habits of their significant others. It is unrelated to nutrition, but to a comfort level with the partner.
Post-preganancy weight gain: Those pregnancy pounds have piled on, the baby's here, and there are 20+ pounds still to lose. Often, the new Dad has gained weight in "sympathy", and there's a big barrier to moving to the "pre-baby" eating habits. Fatigue often contributes to this inertia in getting back on track.
Mid-life issues: Beginning in the 40s, as many women are entering the mid-life years, change is ongoing. Whether it's kids growing up, aging parents, career changes, and/or hormonal issues there's a lot of pressure and stress for most women in this group. The ultimate multi-tasking woman often feels overwhelmed at times (I know I do), and a loving partner will frequently feel a genuine need to "reward with food". Whether it's a fancy dinner, a box of candy, a giant sunday from your favorite ice cream store, it's a show of love and kindness.
Seems like the evidence is pretty clear. I'm sure everyone has noticed couples and friends that have put on some weight after getting into a relationship. I think it's fairly obvious that the company you keep will affect your weight... or at least your eating habits. I know that personally I am quite easily talked into ordering take out or making a trip to the diner or McDonalds... and I know that it's even easier for me to talk people in to doing the same thing (Sorry, Carolyn.)
So what do you think? Do you ever jump on the social eating bandwagon?