Experts often tell us that having close friends is one way to stay healthy and live happier lives. But, you never knew your friends could make you fat, did you? In a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that, out of 12,067 people tracked over the course of 32 years, there was a 57% chance of becoming obese when they had an obese friend - even if that friend didn't live in the same city. And, if they were close friends and one became obese, the other friend had a 171% chance of also becoming obese.

Obviously, the people we spend time with can influence what we do and it may be that, if one friend is overweight, the other friend may feel it's more acceptable to gain weight as well. Still, this is an interesting idea and one that many of us probably don't consider. After all, what we weigh shouldn't be influenced by who we hang out with, right?

I'm curious to know about your situation. Do you think your friends influence your weight or that you may influence theirs? Vote in this week's poll and tell us - are your friends making you fat?

Poll: Do your friends influence your weight?

1. Yes - if my friends are overweight, it's easier for me to be overweight as well
2. Yes - we all tend to have the same eating and exercise behaviors
3. No - I do my own thing regardless of what my friends do
4. I'm not sure
5. Other - please explain in comments

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