“Exposure to a negative stereotype [seeing someone who is overweight] can lead to stereotype conducive behavior.”

Jonah Lehrer

Imagine this: your friend Lucy is obese and she sent you pictures of her on vacation. After seeing those photos someone comes with a plate full of cookies. Do you think the pictures of your obese friend would influence how many cookies you eat? In a study, 31 percent of those that answered this question believed that the photos would influence them not to eat the cookies; however, you are now  more likely to eat 30 percent more cookies than if you have not received the email and see the photos.

Helping obese patients be healthier and lose weight is, ultimately, good for you as well!

RELATED: Does “Fat Shaming” Obese People Help Them Lose Weight?

^{Source: http://www.wired.com/2011/04/how-habits-spread/}