Can your friends make you gain weight?

The eating habits of our friends influence our own behavior much more than our genetics. Imagine: if your friends love fast food and pizza nights, you are 115% more likely to gain weight. Why? Because we tend to adopt the habits of those we spend time with often. It's a group effect that makes unhealthy choices more "normal." In comparison, our genes only represent a 40% risk for weight gain. So, even if you are genetically predisposed, social choices weigh more heavily. So, to stay in shape, it's better to surround your daily life with people with healthy habits. And why not make it a challenge together? It's always more motivating when you're with others!