Eat More to Die Later

Jan 4, 2013 by Juniette Fiore

A study printed in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggested that being overweight meant you were less likely to die prematurely than people with a healthy weight.

They found that being underweight or severely obese did cut life expectancy, as we all know.

Could it be because people who are not overweight are more active and live a different lifestyle, therefore more likely to suffer accidents? Or perhaps it is because overweight people who become severely ill in hospitals are more likely to survive because of the extra weight. They are also more likely to receive medical treatments more quickly, such as treatments to control blood pressure.

An important fault in the study is that the researchers only took a look at the number of deaths for people of different weight ranges. They did not look at the cause of death nor the number of years spent living free of ill-health.

In other words, no one should take this one study to mean that it is okay to be overweight. Being overweight will still put you at a higher risk for heart disease and other illnesses. Being a healthy weight would allow you to be more active and have higher self-esteem. It also saves you money and several visits to the doctor.

Most people have deemed the study trash. It is a bad message to send out to people who may be easily influenced, especially in a society that is so focused on appearances. People do not have to be slim and fit, but they also should not be overweight and suffering from low self-esteem or diseases if they have the ability to prevent it. This one study should not be used to justify giving up on becoming a healthy human being.

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