Friday, June 26, 2009

Good News: Bigger May Be Better!

From the New York Times, an article that made my day: Excess Pounds, But Not Too Many, May Lead to Longer Life.

The report, published online last week in the journal Obesity, found that overall, people who were overweight but not obese — defined as a body mass index of 25 to 29.9 — were actually less likely to die than people of normal weight, defined as a B.M.I. of 18.5 to 24.9.

By contrast, people who were underweight, with a B.M.I. under 18.5, were more likely to die than those of average weight. Their risk of dying was 73 percent higher than that of normal weight people, while the risk of dying for those who were overweight was 17 percent lower than for people of normal weight.

The finding adds to a simmering scientific controversy over the optimal weight for adults. In 2007, scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Cancer Institute reported that overweight adults were less likely than normal weight adults to die from a variety of diseases, including infections and lung disease.


Sandy,PhD said...

Oh what a great way to start the weekend. Pass the potato salad, please!

Seriously, I've often wondered about this. One anecdotal piece in my life is that of the young adults I have known who have gotten cancer, all of them have been thin. None have been overweight.

I read somewhere years ago something to the effect that being underweight was more of a risk than being moderately overweight. So your Obesity study is along these same lines.

tracy said...

i'd still rather be thin....

Tigermom said...


_ said...

I knew cheese would never steer me wrong.

I do wonder though...making a family makes you live longer I've heard, and a female might have a harder time finding a mate if overweight, so I wonder how it all plays out. Also those who are more attractive get more promotions and presumably more money, and I believe money is also correlated with good health.

And haven't they found calorie restriction really improves longevity, which is partially why many people are starting to say reversatrol is a miracle substance as it mimics some of the effects of calorie restriction (among other things)?