U.S. study links premature death to extra pounds

A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that even a few extra pounds on your body increases the risk for premature death. We have known for a long time that obesity has been tied to premature death but these new findings speak to the notion that those falling within the overweight (25 -29.9) range on the Body Mass Index (BMI) scale increase their percent of death by 13% (BMI is only one measure of health. Visit with your physician about your healthy weight range). Those who are morbidly obese are 2.5 times more likely to die prematurely. There is no doubt that losing weight and maintaining that weight loss can be a daily challenge however this new research gives you one more reason to work toward your goal of a healthy weight and lifestyle.

Don’t forget that the number on your scale does not always tell the whole story. You can remain at your “magic” weight number but be stronger and have more lean muscle as opposed to fat. Muscle weighs more than fat so if you do not want to drop below a certain weight number, visit with your physician about maintaining that weight through muscle instead of fat. The article briefly addresses the idea of having a “little extra” on your body in case you “need it”. This outdated concept was acceptable when there was a chance of food being scarce. In today’s world, food (not always nourishment) is at hand almost every moment of the day so that “little extra” is not a benefit to your health. In addition to feeling and looking better by attaining and maintaining a healthy weight, you may increase the days, months or years you have to enjoy your life!