Post by Patrick on Nov 9, 2008 13:21:31 GMT
"We're all getting fatter and it may be contagious, claim economists"
Obesity could be socially contagious, according to new research by two of Britain's leading economists. Professor David Blanchflower, who sits on the Bank of England's monetary policy committee, and Professor Andrew Oswald, an expert on the economics of wellbeing, claim that the nation's expanding waistline could be down to people subconsciously trying to 'keep up with the weight of the Joneses'.
After analysing obesity data from the 50s to the present, the pair conclude that obesity may be transmitted across society in a way that is similar to the progress of a virus.
"Don't touch the fat person little Jamie - you don't know where he's been!"
Hmm, yet another excuse to stay at home and play with your Wii!
Obesity could be socially contagious, according to new research by two of Britain's leading economists. Professor David Blanchflower, who sits on the Bank of England's monetary policy committee, and Professor Andrew Oswald, an expert on the economics of wellbeing, claim that the nation's expanding waistline could be down to people subconsciously trying to 'keep up with the weight of the Joneses'.
After analysing obesity data from the 50s to the present, the pair conclude that obesity may be transmitted across society in a way that is similar to the progress of a virus.
"Don't touch the fat person little Jamie - you don't know where he's been!"
Hmm, yet another excuse to stay at home and play with your Wii!
A.P.P.S
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