Obesity as risky as smoking
Being obese as big a health risk as smoking, health experts warn
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Wednesday, 18, Mar 2009 12:33
Being obese is as big a health risk as smoking, a group of health experts have warned.
The report published in the Lancet found a body mass index (BMI) above the ideal range of 22.5-25 kg/m2 leads to increased mortality rates.
Researchers found that above 25 kg/m2, each extra 5 kg/m2 results in an increased overall mortality of around one third.
Scientists examined around 900,000 adults and analysed the relationship between BMI and the risk of dying from particular diseases.
They found severe obesity – a BMI of 40 to 50 – which applies to two per cent of the UK population, reduced life expectancy by about ten years.
Moderate obesity – a BMI 30 and 39 – also reduced life expectancy by three years.
Experts claim much of the obesity-related health risk is due to heart disease and stroke.
Amongst middle-aged people in the UK, for example, as many as one in four deaths or stroke are due to being overweight or obese, the researchers estimate.
Commenting on the findings, Dr Gary Whitlock, from the University of Oxford, said: ''Excess weight shortens human lifespan.
"In countries like Britain and America, weighing a third more than the optimum shortens lifespan by about 3 years. For most people, a third more than the optimum means carrying 20 to 30 kilograms (50 to 60 pounds, or four stone) of excess weight.
"If you are becoming overweight or obese, avoiding further weight gain could well add years to your life.''
Professor Sir Richard Peto, also from the Clinical Trial Service Unit at the University of Oxford, also warned against continuing to smoke.
"This study has shown that continuing to smoke is as dangerous as doubling your body weight, and three times as dangerous as moderate obesity," he added.