Comments on: Slightly Chubby People Live Slightly Longer

By: dutchmarbel

dutchmarbel — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:11:33 +0000

It also depends on race. A while ago I found this table with the relative riscs for men & women of various origins.

By: everquest account

everquest account — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:15:48 +0000

I hope this doesn't give people reason to keep on supersizing their meals. Though I think that the link between skinny people and their life spans is valid, this reverse does not necessarily be true.

By: Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:15:29 +0000

(To the tune of the theme from Fame!)

Fat!
I'm gonna live forever
My ass is gonna be wide

Fat!
My thighs are rubbin' together
My penis is tryin' to hide

Fat!
Does this come in size fifty-seven?
My titties hang down like a dame's

Fat!
I'm gonna live forever
baby remember my name

Remember, remember, (wheeze) remember, remember,
Is that enough? I'm a little winded is all. Remember, remember, remember, remember. Oy.

By: RCis4Brian

RCis4Brian — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:30:51 +0000

As a long time BMI of 28, the standard range is FOS. If you develop upper body strength at the gym, you rise to "obese" ranks. If you cycle 200 miles/week or run 25 miles/week, your legs take you into the "obese" ranks. My body fat is under 12. Go figure. The BMI applies to sedentary, non-active persons, virtually worthless as a true measure. Try the following site for a more accurate measurement: http://www.active.com/fitness/calculators/bodyfat

By: steve

steve — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:01:15 +0000

This is old news. This study has ben done before. As alluded to above, the definition which should probably change is that of too thin. We should probably rate anything under a BMI of 20 as underweight.

Steve

By: teqjack

teqjack — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:31:41 +0000

Actually, Japan over a year ago adopted for its internal health measures a BMI scale five points higher per category than the one WHO recommended for that country when earlier research showed the same sort of results. In the US, you have to look for it because it is not highlighted, but the CDC report[s] also show this - while continuing to recommend the WHO standard. Links to actual reports may be found here - JunkFood Science

By: JKB

JKB — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:05:48 +0000

But it is surprising that people who are slightly over the ideal BMI live longer than those within the ideal range:

I believe this study would indicate that the "ideal" BMI is well not ideal. Unless the ideal parameter is chosen for something other than longevity. Perhaps it is chosen for attractiveness?

By: Drew

Drew — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:02:20 +0000

Great!

Hey honey! Break out the pate and camembert........and what shall it be: St. Emilion or Margaux?

By: Jeffrey W. Baker

Jeffrey W. Baker — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:00:20 +0000

The "thin" guys in this study a really thin. A BMI of 18.5 corresponds to 6'0" height at 135 lbs. That's pretty darn thin.

By: Boyd

Boyd — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:20:30 +0000

I concur. If you're likely to die sooner, 'splain to me again how it's ideal?

By: Scribe of Slog

Scribe of Slog — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:59:15 +0000

But it is surprising that people who are slightly over the ideal BMI live longer than those within the ideal range...

The "smoking" suggestion may be inviting since it appeals to conventional wisdom and socially approved stereotypes, but what needs to be examined seriously is whether the definition of an "ideal" BMI may be faulty.