New research suggests that obesity significantly increases the likelihood of early death from diabetes and liver problems in men.
Study authors suggest that obesity is the second most significant contributor to death in Europe and North America, second only to smoking. The study was conducted on a massive scale, comprising data from 189 studies involving nearly 4 million individuals. In an effort to get a clearer picture of the impact of obesity on overall health, the study did not include smokers or individuals with long-term health issues. After examining BMI and mortality rates, researchers came to the conclusion that the risk of death increased incrementally the more overweight a person was.
Obesity Study Findings
Other findings from the study on obesity include:
- The link between obesity and death was strongest in men.
- Researchers estimate that the risk of death before 70 for an overweight man is 29 percent, compared to 19 percent for a normal weight male.
- The early death risk for women in North America is 11 percent at a healthy weight and 14.6 percent if she is moderately obese.
- Interestingly, the data also suggests that the risk of death increases at the other end of the spectrum for individuals with extremely low body masses.
“Smoking causes about a a quarter of all premature deaths in Europe and North America, and smokers can halve their risk of premature death by stopping,” said Professor Sir Richard Peto. “But overweight and obesity now cause about one in seven of all premature deaths in Europe and one in five of all premature deaths in North America.”
So there you have it, even more evidence that being overweight and obese is detrimental to your health. When it comes to day-to-day health, the best thing you can do for your body is eat a healthy diet, stay hydrated, get regular exercise, get a good night’s sleep and avoid smoking. If you can hit four or five of those points each and every day, you’ll increase your likelihood of living a long and healthy life.