Extra Weight Not a Benefit or Disadvantage in Survival of Diabetics

In the United States, there are currently 24 million adults and children with Type II diabetes which is typically an avoidable and self-inflicted malady brought about by a diet heavy in tasty but unhealthy foods. The outlook appears foreboding since 67% of American adults are overweight or obese. Overweight is defined as having a percentage of body fat roughly equal to 25% to 29.9% of weight. Obese is defined as having a percentage of body fat roughly equal to 30% or higher.

Extra weight carries a host of concomitant health issues, but a popular theory had arisen that a modest amount of extra weight was actually healthy for diabetics. However, an extensive study published in the New England Journal of Medicine concludes that the “extra weight is good for Type II diabetics” theory is inconclusive. The study involved a large sample of 11,427 men in the health care profession and female nurses all of whom were diagnosed with Type II diabetes.

The study showed that the rate of deaths for diabetics did not decrease as a result of being “pudgy”. However, it did not increase either. The researchers noted that the statistic trend was towards increased deaths. The best results were for people of average body weight.

On The Web:
Study dispels ‘obesity paradox’ idea for diabetics
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/health/Weighing+more+doesnt+boost+survival+diabetics+study+refuses/9391501/story.html