Excess weight linked to premature mortality

An article about new research findings on the health dangers of obesity referenced several studies from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

One new finding is that people with severe obesity are much more likely than their lower-weight peers to develop type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea, and that high body mass index (BMI) greatly increases the risk of heart failure, according to an April 30, 2019 MarketWatch article. Other research found that people with obesity who commute by car have a higher risk of heart disease and death than their peers who bike or walk to work.

The article also mentioned previous studies on obesity involving Harvard Chan researchers. For instance, a 2016 study found that for each 5-unit increase in BMI above 25, there was a corresponding increase in the risk of dying prematurely due to cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, or cancer. A 2017 study found that, compared to people who kept their weight stable, people who gained a moderate amount of weight (5–22 pounds) before age 55 increased their risk of chronic diseases and premature death, and decreased the likelihood of achieving healthy aging.

Frank Hu, Fredrick J. Stare Professor of Nutrition and Epidemiology, and chair of the Department of Nutrition, was senior author of both studies. Hu was not involved in the new research reported in the article.

Read the MarketWatch article: Scientists say obesity can cut years off your life, especially if you drive to work

Learn more

Incidence of obesity-related cancers is rising in younger adults (Harvard Chan School’s The Nutrition Source)

Obesity on rise in U.S., particularly in rural areas (Harvard Chan School news)