When “Contagious” is Good

The word contagious often has a negative connotation. Some people may feel itchy, sniffly, or feverish just hearing the word. But believe it or not being contagious can also be a good thing!

“When is being contagious a good thing,” you ask? When it comes to weight loss.

According to a study published in the journal Obesity, when one partner participates in weight loss treatment, the other partner can also experience weight loss. The study looked at married couples who participated in either a self guided weight loss program or a national program. For the spouses who received either self guided or the nationally available weight loss program, they lost an average of 4.3-5% of their body weight after 6 months, respectively. For the untreated spouses, they lost an average of 2% of their body weight after 6 months for both forms of spousal treatment. The study authors concluded that the weight loss efforts of one partner had a positive “ripple effect” on their spouse.

In other words, your weight loss efforts can be contagious to your partner. In a good way. By you participating in a weight loss program, your partner may also lose weight.

If you and your partner are obese and you are ready to lose weight and improve your health, use this opportunity to do it even if your partner isn’t ready to commit like you are. Weight loss has been shown to improve diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea. No weight loss program has been proven more effective than bariatric surgery. Gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and lap band surgery are repeated shown in clinical studies to an effective weight loss solution. Your weight loss efforts may be just what your partner needs to start losing weight. Be the positive change you both need and call Dr. Shillingford’s office today at (561) 483-8840.