Body Mass Index news stories on Newser

Overweight People Live Longer: Study

Harry Kimball — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:19:19 CDT

A few extra pounds can actually be good for you, the Globe and Mail reports. A recent long-term study of Canadian health records shows that people classified as overweight—with a Body Mass Index of 25 to 30—are 17% less likely to die than those with “normal” BMI, between...

McCain's 'Real Age' Is 63

Caroline Zimmerman — Sun, 25 May 2008 14:22:22 CDT

McCain may be 71.8 years old on paper, but his biological age is a youthful 63.7, according to the physician who wrote You: The Owner's Manual. Dr. Michael Roizen made the estimate based on McCain's recently-released medical records (though some details on the candidate's dietary and exercise habits...

Obesity Linked to Cancers

Peter Fearon — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 04:32:00 CST

Researchers have identified a powerful link between being overweight and the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Strong links were discovered between obesity and cancer of the esophagus in men and women, and uterine endometrial and gallbladder cancers in women, reports WebMD. Researchers also found modest connections between obesity...

Women Win One in Battle of Bulge

Wesley Oliver — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 05:30:44 CST

Obesity rates among American women have leveled off and remained steady since 1999, while rates among American men may be following suit, the CDC reported today. The study’s lead researcher called the trend “great news” for women. Officials will wait to render a final verdict for men, the New York...

Walk It Off: Pedometers Push People to Lose Weight

Colleen Barry — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 07:23:00 CST

New research suggests that wearing a pedometer can significantly increase a person's daily physical activity, which in turn can lower weight and blood pressure. Pedometers, small devices worn on the hip that count steps, can cost as little as $15. Overall, pedometer users increased their physical activity by 26.9%,...

Ward Off Cancer by Staying Thin, Study Says

Wesley Oliver — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:25:00 CDT

Excess body weight and consumption of red meat can increase the risk of cancer, even for people within a healthy weight range, researchers reported today in a 40-year international study. Being within the healthy Body Mass Index range of 18.5-24.9 isn’t enough, the Guardian reports, because cancer risk,...

Kids Get Graded on Obesity

Olivia Gage — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 12:08:26 CDT

School nurses in six states are now sending out "obesity report cards," giving parents the results of mandatory Body Mass Index screenings of their children. With the number of overweight kids quadrupling over the last 40 years, advocates aim to detect health issues early. But not all parents are thrilled...