by Dana M Robinson - Published 6 months ago

Is Weight Gain Contagious?

It can be hard to keep up with all the health news out there. We get it. That’s why we filter through the latest in integrative health, wellness trends, and nutrition advice, reporting on the most exciting and meaningful breakthroughs. We’ll tell you exactly what you need to know—and how it might help you become a healthier and happier human.

If you think optimal health is a solo pursuit, think again. The more we learn about health, the more we realize that it's not just about the individual, but the health of our community and our planet. A new study revealed that your location can significantly impact your weight.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, analyzed data from over 1,500 military families stationed at about 40 different military bases worldwide. The study aimed to determine if exposure to communities with higher obesity rates affected participants' BMI and increased individual weight gain risk. Researchers evaluated participants through in-person examinations and questionnaires. The findings were shocking: living in an area with higher obesity rates is linked to a higher BMI and an increased risk of obesity in both children and adults.

So, what explains this? Ashlesha Datar, the lead author, explained to the New York Times, "Subconsciously, you are affected by what people around you are doing. When I travel to the Bay Area, for example, everyone is riding bicycles. You get there, and it seems like you have to buy a bicycle. If you move to a community where a sedentary lifestyle is the norm, you join that. There is this social influence."

While it’s unlikely we’ll all move to a fit city, we could all be more mindful of how our environment impacts our physical activity, eating habits, and mindset.

If you need a healthy influence in your life, try visiting one of these 10 best healthy vacation destinations.