In a recently published study examining the relationship between BMI (weight in kg/height in meters squared) and mortality, 57 prospective studies with a total of 894,576 participants were examined. The mean BMI was 25 kg/m2. And, mortality was lowest in those with a BMI of 22.5 – 25 kg/m2. Each time BMI goes up by increments of 5, mortality is 30% greater.
So what does this mean? If you are slightly overweight, you’ll lose a few years off your life (on average). Moderately obese individuals were more likely to die early than those of normal weight. And obesity – well, you guessed it, is associated with even more life years lost (mainly from heart attack, stroke, diabetes, kidney or liver problems).
This isn’t exactly new news but it will hopefully be a wake up call for individuals and for our nation as a whole. An increase in obesity nationwide = an increase in health care costs which are already soaring. And, obesity isn’t as cut and dry as putting someone on a lower calorie diet. Eating a better quality diet and exercising are the two most important factors (versus just counting calories). And, if emotional eating (coping with feelings like anxiety, stress, sadness, boredom etc by eating) or chronic overeating are issues, it is vital that a person gets professional help to find other ways to cope with life’s stressors. In fact, seeking professional help for these issues is way more important and a more successful approach than joining a weight loss program.