When Fat is your Friend - interesting.....

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. 

The Surprising Protective Qualities of Body Fat

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.