Overweight and Obesity Increase Risk for Early Death

Overweight and obesity increase the risk of premature death from cancer, heart disease, and other conditions, according to a meta-analysis published online in The Lancet. Researchers examined 239 studies that tracked BMI and mortality rates for 10,625,411 participants across four continents. Those who were overweight or obese were up to three times more likely to die early from disease, compared with those with healthy BMIs, and the risk increased as BMI rose. These findings highlight the risk of all-cause mortality related to overweight and suggest the importance of preventive measures.