Heart surgeon warns one close relationship may be keeping you overweight: ‘Choose your circle wisely’
Health isn't just about genetics, but may have more to do with certain relationships in your life as well. Heart surgeon Dr. Jeremy London, who has over 25 years of experience in his field, shed light on what may be a primary reason people get stuck in unhealthy lifestyles. In a TikTok video posted under his handle @drjeremylondon on December 19, 2025, Dr. London highlights the importance of being the seed of change in one's own life and in the lives of others.
@drjeremylondon Your friends impact your body weight #doctor #obesity #fypシ #health #fitness ♬ original sound - Dr. Jeremy London, MD
Over the course of his long career working with patients, Dr. London has come to a profound realization. "Health isn't just about discipline or willpower." He believes that while genetics plays a key role, it is never a primary factor when it comes to lifestyle-related issues such as obesity. According to him, our environment plays a vital role in the condition. And by this, he meant the friends and family people surround themselves with. "Your friends, coworkers, and family shape what you eat, how active you are, and what you think is normal," he confirmed. Especially, friends who divulge in unhealthy habits, are more likely to struggle with overweight together, studies have confirmed.
Citing the Framingham Heart Study, the doctor shared that the risk of obesity increases 50% if a close friend becomes obese, 40% if a sibling becomes obese, 37% if a spouse does. Dr. London states that this pattern is not driven by genetics alone; it occurs due to shared habits and behaviors. "I'm not saying to drop your friends or distance yourself from family. The solution is awareness," the doctor shared. Dr. London explained that the environment can either help you grow or hold you back, urging people to lead by example. He encourages one to be the friend who walks, trains, and consistently chooses better. "Health is contagious, so is complacency. Choose your circle wisely," the doctor asserts.
A 2012 study published in PubMed found that friends can influence body weight. The researchers analyzed available data, and the review suggested that communication and shared behavior are linked directly to weight outcomes. Of the 16 major studies that were analyzed, 6 studies reported solid evidence of peer influence on changes in body weight. As outlined by Dr. London, while genetics and other biological factors do play a key role in determining one's lifestyle changes, the strong influence of one's circle plays a major role in pushing someone to make a choice.
Soon after the video gained traction, many users shared their views on the subject. @Trulie Murphy wrote, "Turns out that birds of a feather thing is true!" @thatgirlchef commented, "Nah. I have big friends, and I do my own thing! They don't influence me. I don't want to be them." @Sandra joked, "Time to cut ties with my pizza-loving friends."