Statisticians and researchers from the National Cancer Institute and CDC have found out that people who are overweight but not obese have a lower risk of death than those with normal weight.

The weight categerories which define normal and obesity, used in the study was the Body Mass Index (BMI). The various BMI categories are:

1. Underweight = < 18.5
2. Normal Weight = 18.5 - 24.9
3. Overweight = 25 - 29.9
4. Obesity = > 30

It is the 3rd category that is now being declared as the best category to be in.
(Calculate your BMI at WebMD).

However it should also be noted that this study has addressed the risk of death and not of disablility or disease.
So although overweight people might live longer, they may still be predisposed to various disorders such as hypertension and diabetes.

Get the whole story at NY Times.com and an excellent summary of the article at DB’s Medical Rants.

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