Having excess weight may lead to a longer lifespan.
Written by Susan Parker | Updated on May 28, 2025
Reviewed by Susan Parker
11 sources cited
Overview
"These findings caused a stir among my peers," explains heart specialist Carl Lavie. The unexpected outcome of his study in 2003 revealed that, in specific circumstances, the individuals who lived the longest were actually the heaviest. Since then, numerous scientific studies have validated that individuals who are overweight or obese and have certain health issues tend to have better long-term outcomes compared to those of normal weight facing the same illnesses. This phenomenon is known as the obesity paradox. Continue reading for further insights...Protects in the Presence of Heart Disease
As a certified cardiologist, author, and contributor to 800 journal articles and two medical textbooks, Dr. Lavie is a highly respected medical professional challenging the conventional belief that excess fat should always be eliminated. At times, retaining extra weight may be beneficial for extending lifespan. While carrying excess weight does increase the risk of chronic diseases, the scenario shifts when a medical condition arises. Surprisingly, additional weight can offer a protective effect. In their initial study on heart failure patients, Dr. Lavie's research team discovered that for every one percent increase in body fat, there was a 13 percent rise in survival rate. A notable research team from the Mayo Clinic examined 40 studies involving 250,000 individuals with coronary heart disease. Those with a normal body mass index (BMI) were found to be at highest risk of mortality. Conversely, those classified as overweight had the lowest risk, while the obese faced no increased mortality risk. A study combining summaries of nine significant heart failure studies with 29,000 participants and another study involving 11,000 Canadians supported these findings.Extends Life in Various Conditions
However, as Dr. Lavie highlights, "the most compelling evidence supporting the obesity paradox pertains to conditions beyond heart disease..." Research indicates that:- Overweight or obese individuals with diabetes have a 50% lower likelihood of mortality compared to their normal-weight counterparts
- For kidney dialysis patients, each unit increase in BMI above 27.5 reduces the risk of death by 30%
- Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and a BMI over 30 have a significantly lower death rate than those with a BMI of 20 to 24.9
- The risk of death from cancer and infections decreases as weight increases
Reasons Behind Fat's Protective Role
While the obesity paradox remains unexplained by Dr. Lavie and other researchers, fat is recognized for its protective functions in various ways. In conditions where wasting may occur, such as cancer or AIDS, the surplus fat provides calories and reserves that reduce the risk of death. It is not surprising that in cancer, kidney failure, and rheumatoid arthritis—diseases characterized by rapid weight loss—a fat buffer could offer protection. A crucial distinction lies between being overweight and healthy versus being overweight and having one of these conditions. Obesity is a well-known contributor to cancer, and some authorities even rank it as the primary cause. If you are presently in good health, it is advisable to shed excess pounds and maintain a healthy weight. The discovery that fat can prolong life becomes relevant only after the onset of cancer. It is likely due to the rapid weight loss induced by chemotherapy—patients are often too unwell to eat—and this sudden drop in weight is detrimental for a thin, sick individual. Under such exceptional circumstances, obesity might confer an advantage. Moreover, excess fat does not shield against kidney disease but provides a reserve for survival in case of kidney failure requiring dialysis.Cushioning Against Falls
In the event of seniors falling, a thicker layer of fat can offer protection against fractures, supply energy reserves during stressful situations, and act as a cushion against muscle and tissue loss common in severe arthritis cases. Areas like thighs, buttocks, hips, and upper arms store excess energy, preventing harmful fats from circulating in the bloodstream. This filtration effect safeguards the liver and reduces cardiovascular risk factors. Fat cells play vital roles in the body, such as enhancing immunity, storing glucose, producing hormones, and generating essential molecules like nitric oxide for optimal blood flow. Therefore, the presence of fat is not entirely negative. As Dr. Lavie emphasizes, "Fat tissue is actively involved in our body and is a fundamental component for health and longevity."Emphasis on Nutrition and Exercise
Given the advantages of fat, individuals with the aforementioned health issues who are overweight or slightly obese may benefit more from enhancing their nutrition and physical fitness rather than focusing solely on weight loss. Dr. Lavie recommends the Mediterranean diet as a healthy eating pattern with proven health benefits. He also stresses that fitness plays a crucial role in protecting health, irrespective of weight. His simple approach includes a brisk 20 to 30-minute walk daily and engaging major muscle groups twice a week with light weights.- The Obesity Paradox by Carl J Lavie MD, Scribe Publications 2014
