In fact, the researchers re-examined the same data set and found that people who dumped their friends who gained weight were even more susceptible to obesity.

CNN: Obesity, STDs flow in social networks

Earthworms allowed to feed on live plants gained weight, and their performance would vary depending on what plants they were offered, such as legumes or grasses, suggesting they do derive nutritional benefits from such a diet.

BBC: Earth News - Earthworms eat live seeds and plants, scientists find

And after nine months three of the women felt their quality of life had improved and they had gained weight.

BBC: Deep brain stimulation 'helps in severe anorexia nervosa'

Studies from Regeneron's middle-stage human trials released last year show that obese patients weighing 220 pounds lost an average of 4.7% of their weight, or 10.4 pounds, over 12 weeks, while those on a sugar pill gained a pound.

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