BMI redux

Here’s another article about the findings of that now-infamous CDC analysis that said, shockingly enough, that being fat won’t kill you.  Excerpt:

Lower deaths (lives saved) associated with being “overweight” (BMI 25-30) = 86,094

Yes, you’re reading that right. Being overweight is actually associated with reduced mortality rates. Being well nourished is healthful. In fact, looking at the data on nonsmokers, ages 29-59, those who are “overweight” or “obese” (BMI 30-35) have 66 to 77% of the mortality risk of government-approved “normal” bodies (BMI 18.5-25). For an average 5’4” woman, that means weighing 145 to 205 pounds is the least risky; for someone 5’11”, the lowest risks are at 172 to 247 pounds.

And yes, I am harping on this.  While I tend to agree with Little Miss Attila that it certainly doesn’t hurt your odds to take a walk now and again, it is so freaking nice to have someone confirm the entirely obvious fact that one doesn’t have to be a marathon runner to live to a reasonably old age.  I don’t plan to stop enjoying it for a while yet.

1. I know of SO many people who pretty much did whatever the hell they wanted and outlived the health nut next door. Coincidence, I’m sure.

   Posted by dogette  on  04/27  at  12:55 PM

2. Deb, my grandmother has always been overweight— in fact, borderline obese.

   Just a few weeks ago, I visited my grandmother. On her 100th birthday. Her mind is just as sharp as yours or mine, and except for arthritis in her hips and knees, she’s in good physical health. If you met her, you’d think she’s in her early eighties.

   I repeat, my grandmother is 100 years old, overweight, and doing just fine.

   Being overweight myself, I do have hope that my genetics will trump my weight.

   Posted by Paul Burgess  on  04/27  at  06:10 PM

3. And then there is my father-in-law’s widow (younger than we are) who isn’t particularly into marathons, but does triathalons for fun. With her body fat percentage (she is, um, well padded) the swimming is the easiest part. Her trainer routinely shocks people by pointing her out as being exceptionally fit.

   Posted by triticale  on  04/27  at  08:20 PM

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