While obesity increases a person's risk of
early death,
being slightly overweight could reduce it, according to an international analysis
of almost 100 studies including three million adults. This finding, nicknamed
the "obesity paradox," is confusing to some, but has several possible
explanations. Overweight people might hold nutritional reserves that can improve
survival; they might present with certain conditions earlier, or get more
preventive medical care, including health screenings. Thinness, particularly in
old age, can be a sign of serious illness, so thinner people who seem to have a
higher mortality rate might simply die younger because they are ill.
When Fat Is Your Friend
According to some research, being overweight can give you an
advantage in certain situations. But it's not the fat that provides the
benefit.
By Chris Iliades, MD
Medically reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH
While obesity increases a person's risk of
early death,
being slightly overweight could reduce it, according to an international analysis
of almost 100 studies including three million adults. This finding, nicknamed
the "obesity paradox," is confusing to some, but has several possible
explanations. Overweight people might hold nutritional reserves that can improve
survival; they might present with certain conditions earlier, or get more
preventive medical care, including health screenings. Thinness, particularly in
old age, can be a sign of serious illness, so thinner people who seem to have a
higher mortality rate might simply die younger because they are ill.
Besides overall longevity, research has shown
that fat can provide certain benefits in a few specific situations.
Read on to find out more.
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