close relations with other members were more likely to achieve their goals of ridding themselves of pounds.The most active users lost more than 8 percent of their body weight in a six­month period.The least active users, those with the fewest online friends and social interactions, lost around 5 percent of their body weight in the same period of time.The researchers theorize that participation plays a key role in weight loss because it offers an always­accessible network of support.

　　They're also looking ahead：The positive results point to sensible uses for social networks in other areas of health.Online communities might be successful alternatives for minor illnesses like discouragement and alcoholism, for which in­person meetings are often suggested."Modern life is so complex and stressful, and 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."

　　语篇解读：一份新近发表在《皇家学会界面杂志》的西北大学调查发现，那些积极在网络群体中交友的人远比那些参与较少的人减肥效果显著。该调查的高级研究员也表明这种网上交友促减肥的方法大有希望获得成功。

　　24．In which column of a magazine should the text be seated?

　　A．Entertainment.　　　　　 B．Fitness.

　　C．Technology. D．Medicine.

　　解析：选B　推理判断题。通读全文不难看出文章主题与减肥有关，因此应该属于健康类栏目。故选B项。

　　25．Who would lose more weight according to the new study?

　　A．People frequently making online friends.

　　B．Network users sparing time to surf the Internet.

　　D．Fellows regularly taking part in community activities.

　　解析：选A　细节理解题。根据第二段中的" ... those who had an active hand in such online communities lost a higher percentage of their body weight compared to users who participated sparingly."可知，那些积极在网络群体中交友的人的减肥效果远比那些参与较少的人的减肥效果显著。故选A项。

　　26．What can we learn from the 4th paragraph?

A．Scientists ought to pay for the online data they study.