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This will either be really great news, or a nasty shock.  Recent studies are pointing to the idea of our personal diet and fitness routines (as well as our physiques, and our perception of what’s “okay”) are hugely influenced by the people we spend the most time with on an intimate level.

 It’s no surprise that getting into shape with a friend is way more likely to be effective than doing it on your own, but the concept of your day-to-day maintenance being influenced by your gang could shed some light on body changes and habits as your social circle grows, shrinks, and fluctuates in various ways.

 By the numbers, a recent Harvard study says having an obese friend ups your odds of becoming obese by an alarming 57%, and hefty spouses and siblings nudge up the chances by 40%.

This, of course, by no means suggests we should cut off our chubbier acquaintances.  Your habits are just as contagious as anyone else’s, so making the extra effort to push yourself into a healthier lifestyle could benefit the people around you.