People are often aware of the emotional health benefits of owning a pet, but may wonder are there weight loss benefits to owning a dog? All that running after a puppy and going for daily walks must count for something. In 2006, the makers of Science Diet pet food and Northwestern Memorial Hospital conducted a study to test this premise.
The study observed three groups of people and dogs for 12 months. One group consisted of pet owners and their dogs, another of people only and a third of dogs only. All participants were overweight and on a program to lose weight. The participation rate for both dogs and people was higher in the first group. Additionally, when reporting weight-loss activities, the first group reported 80% of their activities were completed with their dog.
The study indicates that owning a dog does have a positive benefit. Scientists have speculated that this is due to the fact that dog owners are naturally more active, as well as the fact that dogs provide a source of social support while someone is dieting or exercising. Someone walking or running alone will usually stop before someone doing the activity with a companion.
Scientists also stated that biophilia theory, which states humans have an instinctual need to bond with other living creatures, may explain some results. People are more likely to exercise with their dog, because it fulfills an innate need to bond.
Regardless of the reason for the benefits, it does appear to exist. This is not a reason for non-dog people everywhere to go out and adopt a pooch, however. Dogs are not a magical formula for losing weight, and they require a great deal of love and care. The weight loss aspect is only a side effect of the canine-human relationship, after all.