I've long argued that BMI (body mass index, a measure of body fat) cut- offs are too low in terms of the demonstrated health hazards associated with them, and are unjustifiably responsible for the current hysteria over fat (the "epidemic" claim). Serious fatness is a serious problem, for sure, but what about the zaftig and the merely pleasantly plump? Are they about to keel over at any second?
Here's a report of a new study which provides further evidence that these concerns are exaggerated. It seems it's possible to be both overweight and healthy, and even to outlive the scrawny. Being Overweight Isn't All Bad, Study Says Carrying Excess Pounds Does Not Increase Risk of Dying from Cancer or Heart Disease, Researchers Say Washington Post Wednesday, November 7, 2007 http://tinyurl.com/2agdzu or http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp- dyn/content/article/2007/11/06/AR2007110601436_pf.html Stephen ----------------------------------------------------------------- Stephen L. Black, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology, Emeritus Bishop's University e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 2600 College St. Sherbrooke QC J1M 1Z7 Canada ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ---
