OK, here we go again. Just when you thought that those few pounds you've put on around your middle won't endanger your life, here comes a heads-up to think again.
This time, it's a couple of studies that are soon to be published in the New England Journal of Medicine, one conducted on more than half a million members of the AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) and another study by researchers in Korea and Johns Hopkins University who looked at some 1.2 million Koreans.
Both studies give weight, as it were, to the evidence that American baby boomers who are modestly overweight will live shorter lives than their counterparts who are of normal weight.
These two studies refute the claims of a study done last year by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and the National Cancer Institute, which suggested that slightly overweight people had a somewhat lower risk of death than those of normal weight!
So what are we supposed to believe?
No single study can give the correct answer, as study populations differ genetically and environmentally. But...
the score is now 2 to 1 with being even modestly overweight out of favor. Some experts worry however, that now people who are only a few pounds overweight will become excessive in their concerns with diet.
Tip from your Wellness Coach: Take it easy...talk to your health care provider, stay informed and don't become obsessive. If you are middle aged, take a good look at exactly how many pounds you have put on around your middle since you graduated from high school or college.
Don't fall into the trap that excessive pounds are just a given at a certain age. Make a plan to acheive a healthy weight and put it into action. You'll feel better and who knows, maybe you'll be around a lot longer!
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