The Behavioral Medicine Report

The research arm of the University of Oxford* reports that even moderate levels of obesity can significantly reduce one’s life span. In the largest ever study of the effects of obesity on mortality, researchers analyzed 57 studies that tracked approximately 900,000 participants for an average of 10-15 years. The results will appear in a future volume of The Lancet. Body mass index, or BMI, was used to assess participant obesity. One in 9 (or 100,000) persons died during the study period. Moderate obesity was defined as a BMI of 30-35, and severe obesity as a BMI of 40-50.

The researchers found that:

1. Persons with a BMI of 23-24 had the lowest mortality rates.
2. Persons with a BMI of 30-35 (moderate obesity) had their lives shortened by 3 years
3. Persons with a BMI of 40-50 (severe obesity) lived 10 years less
4. Persons with a BMI under 23-24 and who smoked also experienced a decreased life span

The consequences of obesity also led to an increase in certain types of cancer, as well as an increased risk for cardiac problems and stroke. Life expectancy reductions in those with severe weight problems roughly equaled lifelong cigarette use! Said another way, staving off obesity (and avoiding tobacco use) adds years to your life!

Remember to always talk to your physician before making any healthcare changes.

You can view the Oxford University press release* here.

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