Individuals who are obese have a lifespan up to eight years shorter than those at a healthy weight. (Photo credit: Tony Alter, flicker)
Individuals who are obese or overweight may be shortening their lives by up to eight years, according to a new study. In addition to this new decrease in life expectancy, obese and overweight individuals have a higher chance of developing diabetes or cardiovascular disease earlier in life.
The study found that individuals who are overweight to obese according to their body mass index have a life expectancy up to eight years shorter than a healthy individual.
The researchers also found that age is also an important factor as individuals who gained excess weight at a younger age suffered the greatest decrease in life expectancy.
Original research paper published in the The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology on December 4, 2014.
Names and affiliations of selected authors
Dr. Steven Grover, McGill University, Quebec
