Overweight may not increase death rate

[The Straight Story]

Overweight may not increase death rate


HAMBURG, Germany, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- In the German population, contrary to what was previously assumed, being overweight is not increasing the death rate, researchers say.

Matthias Lenz of the University of Hamburg and co-authors say most Germans are overweight, with a body mass index between 25 and 29.9. About 20 percent are obese -- BMI of 30 or more.

The researchers systematically evaluated 42 studies of the relationships between weight, life expectancy and disease. The study, published online ahead of print Deutsches Artzeblatt International, shows that overweight does not increase death rates, although obesity does increase them by 20 percent.

As people grow older, obesity makes less and less difference, the researchers say.

http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2009/10/20/Overweight-may-not-increase-death-rate/UPI-19341256013495/

[Skittles]

1. I believe it can be healthier to be overweight than to yo-yo diet

but certainly not severe obesity

[Arcana]

2. Don't be misled by "death rate"

"death rate" does not equal to diabetes, heart disease and cancer rates. With modern medicine people with these chronic conditions live longer these days, especially in a country with a much better health care system than America.

[eridani]

3. So, living long enough to become subject to chronic diseases is a problem?

Because why?

[Statistical]

10. I don't know maybe that thing called cost.

Insurance doesn't magically make medical cost go away.

As the entire population pool gets progressively more and more unhealthy health costs will skyrocket even more.

[eridani]

13. It is precisely extended lifespan that makes people unhealthy

Good luck trying to convince people they shouldn't have it.

[SoCalDem]

7. and in the end , everyone dies anyway.. some have longer "fuses" than others

but eventually something will do us all in..

perhaps the best thing to do is to enjoy the time you have, and to try and eliminate all the stress created by worrying about how fat you are, or how much you drink or smoke or sleep or not sleep, or eat or not eat..

somehow, a life well-lived, that ends at 70 is preferable to a guilt ridden, anxious, pill-filled life that drags on until alzheimers snatches it away at 86, after years in a nursing home.

but then that's my take on it..

I did what I was sent here to do.. I raised three great guys, who are all self-sufficient grown-ups, had one long marriage (some ups some downs), came to terms with my body-type, got me some comfy shoes & am not afraid to "buy a bigger size".. and when my time comes, I'll be okay with it :)

[elocs]

4. I don't think the BMI is the absolute best measure of obesity.

When I graduated high school nearly 40 years ago I weighed 155 pounds and had a 32" waist. Today I weigh 190 with a 32" waist but my BMI is 28 and so I am supposedly overweight. :shrug:

[dmallind]

5. That's because it was based on malnourished Belgian peasants with scrawny musculature NT

You can tell the BMI is more like another kind of BM very easily by looking at people at the peak of overall physical fitness like hockey players or football wide receivers and running backs - almost all of whom are "obese" let alone overweight. If you have more muscle development than a six year old you will be judged overweight. IF you've ever picked up a barbell more than a couple of times you will be obese.

[FlaGranny]

6. Actually, overweight is a bonus

to anyone developing a wasting disease like cancer. It gives the body fuel to fall back on when the patient cannot take in nourishment. It can actually prolong life.

Case in point - my mother. She developed multiple myeloma at the age of 84. She lived 9-1/2 vigorous years with it. She then spent less than 4 months dying from it when she was 94 and her reserves were just gone. This disease often kills young people within a year or two. She lost about 60 pounds in the course of her disease.

[Dogmudgeon]

8. Oh, no!

What excuse will we have to justify our hatred of the Fatties then?

--d!

[The Straight Story]

11. I think some might be upset that it will be harder to tax people for it now

Guess they will have to turn to someone else to blame America's high cost of health care on.

[Mari333]

9. well my mom is obese and 83

her quality of life leaves a lot to be desired, however. she has leg pains and vascular issues, she has her legs wrapped and can barely walk, and breathing is hard for her. I worry about her falling down a lot. she has fallen many times.
she is poor, so she eats what her SS can afford. My dad lost half his railroad pension during the Raygun years.
I love her, and we all help her out, but she has always been 'on a diet'. I dont think its as much how long she has lived, but if she is enjoying it as much as she could.

[Brickbat]

12. It's impossible to increase the death rate. The death rate of the human poopulation = 100 percent.

So far, anyway.

[canetoad]

14. Couple of questions SS

1. Are you overweight?
2. How does anyone's weight directly affect your life?