Parents often warn teenagers about the dangers of peer pressure and the importance of choosing the right crowd of friends. It turns out this advice applies to adults as well-at least when it comes to our health habits. The findings of a recent study at MIT suggest that we are influenced by the health behaviors of our peers. In the study-people who joined an on-line weight loss group who were placed together with peers of similar age, gender and BMI were more likely to be influenced by the health behavior of their group mates than those randomly assigned to diverse groups.
Most of us spend time with people who are similar to us-and health habits, good and bad are picked up within these circles. If our friends have poor eating or exercise habits, we are likely to do the same. When someone with positive health behaviors is introduced in to the mix-others in the group begin to adopt those behaviors.
I have been aware of this phenomenon in my own life. As I have adopted better health habits, eating well, exercising and losing weight as a result-others have told me they were inspired to do the same. Experts say these findings will help structure interventions aimed at combating the American obesity epidemic. Social networks of similar folks placed together for support will improve the entire group’s chances of success.
The lesson in this is that most of us will find that improving our health habits will be made easier if we place ourselves in the company of others whose behavior we want to emulate. Improving health habits is challenging and we all need all the help we can get. Not only are we influenced by others who are doing the things we want to do, but we can in turn become the one who does the influencing, further cementing our own positive behaviors.
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So as New Year’s resolutions draw near-many of us will think about shedding those extra pounds, becoming more active and changing some health behaviors-here are a few tips to help your chances of success:
- Find a buddy at work who emulates the behavior you want to change and ask them to do a New Year challenge with you. Even people who have good health habits need to find ways to keep their motivation going-so don’t hesitate to ask the person whose health habits you most admire.
- Form a “health club” social networking group on Facebook, Twitter or other social sites. Ask for people who are already engaging in good health habits to join the group to help encourage others.
- Join one of the many free websites that help with weight loss and join some of the networking groups with others who have similar situations to yours. Examples include, young mothers, busy executive, women over 40 etc.
Be creative in finding ways to get yourself in the company of peers who will influence you in a positive way. As your mother used to tell you-you will become like the friends you spend your time with!
Be Well on Purpose