The Zoomer Report: Fat Kills

Here’s more evidence about the danger of being extremely overweight. A study of 900,000 people by researchers at Oxford University says extreme obesity may take a decade off a person’s lifespan. Researchers are comparing the health effect of being more than 100 pounds overweight to smoking for life.

They say being 40 pounds or more beyond your ideal weight could shave off about three years, caused mainly by heart ailments and stroke.

The Oxford team based their findings on analysis of 57 studies conducted over 10 to 15 years.

The researchers said a 5-point addition in body mass index increases the risk of premature death by 30 percent, while overweight but not obese people with a BMI between 25 to 29.9 run the risk of cutting their lives short by one year. Those who are at the lowest risk of early death are people with a BMI from 22.5 to 25.

Photo ©iStockphoto.com/ nicholas belton

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About The Zoomer Report

Libby ZnaimerLibby Znaimer, a prominent Canadian journalist specializing in business, politics, and lifestyle issues, is producer and host of The Zoomer Report, a special feature on topics of interest to baby boomers and the 50+. It covers everything from health and wealth to leisure and volunteerism, from the special vantage point of the generation that has changed society in its wake.

Ms. Znaimer is also Vice-President of News and Information for Classical 96.3FM and AM740. Her first book, “In Cancerland – Living Well Is The Best Revenge” – was published in October 2007 by Key Porter.

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