Global Survey Finds People Who Are Informed And Proactive About Their Health Tend To Distance Themselves From Those With Unhealthy Habits

As they should and a reason why parents should not let their kids be friends with fat children.

Globally, people believe that friends and family have as much responsibility for their personal health as do health care providers, according to the Edelman Health Barometer 2011. After "themselves," nearly half (43%) of respondents believe that their friends and family have the most impact on their lifestyle as it relates to health, and more than a third (36%) believe friends and family have the most impact on personal nutrition.

Data also show that people who model a healthier lifestyle fail to connect actively with others who may benefit from their example, knowledge and support. Nearly one third of people (31%) - predominantly those with healthier behaviours - tend to distance themselves from friends who engage in unhealthy behaviours. But an even larger proportion (44%) does not factor health into their social interactions; this group tends to have less healthy behaviour, consume less health information and is least likely to sustain healthy behaviour change when they try.

Protect children (and adults) by limiting their circle of friends to the fit.