With the obesity epidemic constantly in the news, parents might be interested in a new study that found that childhood weight gain might be impacted by social interaction. In other words, in addition to influencing how they dress, the music they listen to, and how they wear their hair, friends might also play a role in how much your children eat and when.

Researchers have postulated that socialization is in fact a substitute for eating, which is often done out of boredom. When kids get together to play, the interaction takes the place of food. According to experts, identifying substitutes is one way to potentially reduce certain negative behavior patterns. Previous attempts to find a replacement for eating have met with limited success, and the authors indicate that this was the first time that social interaction was being evaluated as a potential substitute.

In the study in question, 54 overweight and non-overweight children (24 boys and 30 girls) were assigned to two groups: one was assigned a good friend, while the other was assigned an unfamiliar peer. They then participated in a computer game that awarded points that the child was able redeem for either food or time spent with the other child.

In the group where they were assigned an unfamiliar peer, when the computer game got harder, thus increasing the difficulty of earning time with the peer, the children were more likely to choose food over social time. In the group with the friend, however, the children more inclined to work harder to earn the reward of time spent with their friends. They were, in essence, choosing friendship over food.

While social interaction is not without its own risks, including rejection and ostracism, the absence of social opportunities could result in children choosing eating or other sedentary activities, instead. One might also argue that some of the difficulties that arise from social interaction are a part, even an important part, of growing up.

Furthermore, the study implies that leading a more active social life might result in more meaningful relationships, which could in turn encourage active lifestyles characterized by social interaction. The end result might be a reduction in sedentary behavior, avoiding excessive weight gain, and by extension, reducing one’s risk for obesity.

Obesity is a growing problem in this country. According to the latest statistics, in the United States, unhealthy eating habits coupled with sedentary lifestyles contribute to a substantial number of deaths each year, as well a significant decrease in quality of life.

Obesity is also a growing problem in children, affecting 20% of preschool children, and 30% of children overall. Experts predict that this year, that number will rise to a staggering 50%. These overweight children face the possibility of depression that stems from being bullied or ostracized, and may develop social anxieties about their appearance that could inhibit their social development.

Children, however, are not necessarily aware of the proper foods and activities needed to attain optimal health and body weight, so the impetus lies with adults. Showing kids that being active is not only healthy, but can be fun, will go a long way to achieving this goal.

So take some time to teach good nutrition to your kids and encourage them to be active and to develop healthy social interactions. For more information on obesity, speak with your pediatrician, or visit website for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Obesity Society.