Did you know there's a strong correlation between our habits, and who we spend time with? Researchers tell us that if we are regularly around someone, we start to become like them. This is usually thought to reflect in people's opinions and attitudes; having a mutual regard for certain things, like the law or education for example.
It's now becoming apparent as well that this common theme might extend to weight. We will eat more when in the company of good friends who eat more. A small study undertaken in America found that overweight kids and teenagers ate more when they were eating with a friend who was also overweight, than when they ate with a normal weight child.
Indeed, all the young people studied (aged 9 to 15) ate more when they were with friends than strangers regardless of their size. But the greatest calorific intakes were observed when overweight chums snacked together. The results of this study revealed several key factors. It found that friends have a key function where consumption is concerned.
Frankly, having more relaxed habits when with friends is not a big surprise. Adults would no doubt have demonstrated the same characteristics. It's possible however that in addition, we assume friends will give their consent. We're inclined to unconsciously monitor our behaviour in relation to their reaction to it.
The study took 65 young people of mixed weights and observed them for 45 minutes. There were pairs of friends, and pairs of strangers. They were given games to entertain themselves, along with snack food, fruit and veg.
With each of the pairs, the ones who knew each other before the experiment got through more food than the ones who didn't. However, the heavier friends tucked away the most. And the differences were quite significant.
Nearly seven hundred and fifty calories per person was consumed by the larger pairs of friends. Heavy kids with standard weight chums ate just under 450 cals, and standard weight kids ate approx 500 cals whatever weight their mate was. This influence extends to smoking and drinking as well with young teens.
The research team looking at food consumption had to conclude that peers played an influential role in a young person's dietary habits. This sounds very negative, but of course it means that if youngsters were to associate more with friends who eat a balanced diet, then they too are likely to adjust their habits over time. A good argument for teaching sound nutrition! - 26706
It's now becoming apparent as well that this common theme might extend to weight. We will eat more when in the company of good friends who eat more. A small study undertaken in America found that overweight kids and teenagers ate more when they were eating with a friend who was also overweight, than when they ate with a normal weight child.
Indeed, all the young people studied (aged 9 to 15) ate more when they were with friends than strangers regardless of their size. But the greatest calorific intakes were observed when overweight chums snacked together. The results of this study revealed several key factors. It found that friends have a key function where consumption is concerned.
Frankly, having more relaxed habits when with friends is not a big surprise. Adults would no doubt have demonstrated the same characteristics. It's possible however that in addition, we assume friends will give their consent. We're inclined to unconsciously monitor our behaviour in relation to their reaction to it.
The study took 65 young people of mixed weights and observed them for 45 minutes. There were pairs of friends, and pairs of strangers. They were given games to entertain themselves, along with snack food, fruit and veg.
With each of the pairs, the ones who knew each other before the experiment got through more food than the ones who didn't. However, the heavier friends tucked away the most. And the differences were quite significant.
Nearly seven hundred and fifty calories per person was consumed by the larger pairs of friends. Heavy kids with standard weight chums ate just under 450 cals, and standard weight kids ate approx 500 cals whatever weight their mate was. This influence extends to smoking and drinking as well with young teens.
The research team looking at food consumption had to conclude that peers played an influential role in a young person's dietary habits. This sounds very negative, but of course it means that if youngsters were to associate more with friends who eat a balanced diet, then they too are likely to adjust their habits over time. A good argument for teaching sound nutrition! - 26706
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