Creator: warrenstevenson
Published: 2022-04-04T03:23:14Z
Keywords: cognitive function

Most people associate being overweight with a lot of negative health impacts such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. However, recent studies seem to have a positive outlook on the issue.

They suggest that having a few extra pounds may not be such a bad thing, and in some cases, it can even be healthy.

The Concept of Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a metric used by physicians to determine the weight range that is healthy for individuals. It takes into account height, weight, and age.

People with BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 are considered to have a healthy weight, while those with a range of 25 to 29.9 are overweight. BMI higher than 30 is considered obese.

Being Overweight Can Be Protective

It is a surprising fact that being overweight can be protective against various health conditions. For instance, it can help prevent osteoporosis, a disease that causes brittle bones and fractures.

Overweight individuals tend to have higher bone-mineral density, which makes their bones stronger and less prone to fractures.

Being overweight can also be beneficial for individuals undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy.

Studies show that individuals who were overweight and underwent chemotherapy had a higher survival rate than those who were underweight or normal weight.

Overweight and Longevity

Studies show that being overweight may contribute to a longer lifespan. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found overweight people had a lower mortality rate than individuals with a normal BMI.

The study looked at almost 100 million individuals spanning across four decades. The results showed that the lowest mortality rate occurred among individuals who had a BMI of 27, which is considered overweight.

Reduced Mortality in Middle Age

Another study found that being overweight may provide some protection from death in middle age. The research, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, followed more than 11,000 people for 14 years.

It found that overweight individuals had a 6% reduced mortality rate compared to those with a normal BMI.

Association Between Weight and Cognitive Function

The association between being overweight and cognitive function has been controversial. Some studies suggest that being overweight can lead to memory loss and cognitive decline.

However, recent research suggests that being overweight may have a protective effect on cognitive function.

A study conducted on more than 2 million individuals found that overweight people had a lower risk of developing dementia. The study concluded that the risk of developing dementia decreased with an increase in Body Mass Index (BMI).

The Upside of Weight Gain During Pregnancy

It is recommended that pregnant women gain some weight during pregnancy to ensure a healthy fetus. Research shows that an appropriate amount of weight gain protects against preterm birth and low birth weight.

It also decreases the risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality.

A recent study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that even women who were overweight before pregnancy had a lower risk of these complications if they gained an appropriate amount of weight during pregnancy.

The Importance of Healthy Lifestyle Habits

While being overweight may have some positive impacts, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The benefits that come with a few extra pounds can quickly be nullified by habits such as smoking, lack of exercise, or unhealthy eating.

Thus, it is crucial to aim for a balanced diet, enough physical activity, and other healthy lifestyle habits such as regular check-ups with a physician.