The dangers of obesity in middle age

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A study reveals that those who are overweight in middle age are more likely to develop heart disease even in the absence of other risk factors.
It's well known that obesity and overweight increase the likelihood of heart disease. This risk is now underlined by a study from Northwestern University, Chicago, who looked at the link between body mass index in middle life and illness and death later on.

The study covered 17,643 individuals free of heart disease and aged 31 to 64 at the start. They were classified as having low or moderate risk of heart disease depending on factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Then they were followed up for 32 years. Those of low risk had a 43 per cent higher risk of death from heart disease if they were obese compared to those of low risk who had normal weight. If they were in the moderate risk group, the risk was doubled. The increased risk also applied to being hospitalized for heart disease. The findings suggest that overweight is risky, even in the absence of other risk factors, so people should do all they can to maintain a healthy weight throughout their life.

Source
Journal of the American Medical Association 11th January 2006 Volume 295 pages 190-198