Do Social Factors Make You Fat?

As many as one third of Americans are currently obese, and even more are expected to pack on the pounds. According to a Harvard University study, 42 percent of adults will be obese by the end of the year.

Obesity is defined as weighing 20 percent or more above one's ideal body weight or having a body mass index of 30 or higher. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, not only are a third of Americans obese, but another third are overweight, which is defined as having a BMI of 25 or more.

Although Harvard researchers learned that people who socialize with obese people are more likely to become obese themselves, the researchers have not determined why this is the case. There are many factors at play. Researchers believe that people may adopt each other's eating habits. It's also possible that when people spend time with those who are overweight, their sense of social norms may change.

Not all doctors agree that this study will stand the test of time, because the results are not similar when people lose weight. They also believe that environmental factors -- like exercise, eating habits, genetic makeup and overall health -- are to blame for many of the problems with obesity. To read more about the study, visit AOL Health.