Sunday, July 8, 2012

Weight, in and of itself, Won't Kill You

More evidence that just being overweight leads to no higher risk of death. These researchers found that only severely obese people had a higher death risk during their six-year study, and then only if they also had diabetes or hypertension.

Since being overweight can give you diabetes or hypertension, or at least help you get them, these are not really separate variables. But other studies have shown that people who are overweight because that's the way their bodies are are not in any special danger.

Being overweight is dangerous mainly because it is associated with leading a very sedentary life, eating badly, and psychological factors like depression, anxiety, and severe stress. If you get exercise, eat reasonably, and are happy, your belly will probably not kill you.

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