Making Friends Online Could Help You Lose Weight

In the age of the social network, there’s certainly such a thing as sharing too much. But when it comes to losing weight, sharing could be key.

They’re also looking ahead: The positive results point to plausible uses for social networks in other areas of health. Online communities might be successful alternatives for ailments like depression and alcoholism, for which in-person meetings are often suggested. “Modern life is so complex and stressful, to go somewhere for a meeting is often not practical,” Luís A. Nunes Amaral, senior author of the study, said in a statement. “It is hopeful that this alternative approach, of going online for support, could work.”

The Huffington Post