You can't judge a book by its cover. But apparently you can judge a person's health risk by his or her Facebook page.
Scientists from Boston Children’s Hospital have found that what you "like" on Facebook tells a lot about who you are, or at least, what the obesity and/or fitness levels are in your geographical area.
Researchers said, "Knowledge of people's online interests within geographic areas may help public health researchers predict, track and map obesity rates down to the neighborhood level, while offering an opportunity to design geotargeted online interventions aimed at reducing obesity rates."
Now, this doesn't automatically mean that only obese people "like" a Facebook post about donuts; it does however present an interesting tool to predict the risk of unhealthy food and lifestyle choices that could lead to obesity and disease.
Now for the challenging part...
Look at your own Facebook page. Do you "like" posts about fast food or the latest TV show?
When's the last time you commented on a healthy recipe, a new health product, or something Hallelujah Acres posted? Have you shared something about exercise or something "activity" related?
Now, honestly compare that to your day-to-day routine.
Does it match up?
Is there more you could be doing to stay healthy and not be labeled a statistic?
Of course, there are going to be exceptions. Maybe you use Facebook as an escape after a hard day and comment on ice cream to satisfy a craving instead of eating the real thing — in that case, more power to you!
More importantly, maybe this is your chance to set a "virtual example." Could you be using your Facebook page to be an example to long-distance friends who don't see you living out your health convictions in person?
What does your Facebook page say about you? Scroll below the related articles to comment!
