Those considered "overweight" by medical standards may actually be at a lower risk of dying from a cause, says a new study from the Centers for Disease Control. For the study, researchers did a thorough analysis of data collected in over 100 different studies.
They found overall that those with a BMI of 30 to 34.9, placing them in the overweight category, are six percent less likely to die from any cause than normal weight people. Those who are obese, with a BMI of 35 or above are at 29 percent increased death risk.
According to lead researcher Katherine Flegal of the CDC the new study is consistent with previous research that was not well received by the medical community:
"We published an article in 2005 that showed, among other things, that overweight was associated with lower mortality — and we got an awful lot of negative feedback from that."
Thomas Frieden, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adds that this is no reason to abandon weight-loss plans:
"That would be a mistake—and this study did show an increase in mortality for people who are obese. I don't think anyone would disagree with the basic fact that being more physically active and eating a healthier diet is very important for your health."
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