Years of Life Lost to Obesity

Posted: May 06 in Medical Weight Loss News by Dr. Lazarus

Obesity is responsible for over 95 million years of life lost, according to Obesity, February 2010. This article looked at many studies over the years comparing life span of obese, overweight, and normal weight people. Compared to their normal weight counterparts, obese men live 6-7 years less. Obese women live about 7 years less than their non-obese counterparts. Even being overweight is associated with a shortened lifespan – 3.1 to 3.3 years, according to the author. The greatest noted difference in lifespan was in individuals with a BMI (body mass index) > 35.

With rising overweight and obesity rates in the US, this could certainly contribute to a decreased life expectancy in the future.

-Dr. Lazarus