HAMBURG, Germany, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- In the German population, contrary to what was previously assumed, being overweight is not increasing the death rate, researchers say.
Matthias Lenz of the University of Hamburg and co-authors say most Germans are overweight, with a body mass index between 25 and 29.9. About 20 percent are obese -- BMI of 30 or more.
The researchers systematically evaluated 42 studies of the relationships between weight, life expectancy and disease. The study, published online ahead of print Deutsches Artzeblatt International, shows that overweight does not increase death rates, although obesity does increase them by 20 percent.
As people grow older, obesity makes less and less difference, the researchers say.
For coronary heart disease, overweight increases risk by about 20 percent and obesity increases it by about 50 percent. On the other hand, a larger BMI is associated with a lower risk of bone and hip fracture, the researchers say.
In relation to cancer, the overall death rate among extremely obese men -- BMI above 40 -- is no higher than among those of normal weight. Men who are overweight have a 7 percent lower death rate.
No significant association was found in women, the study says.
The study says overall mortality is unchanged by overweight, but increased by 20 percent by obesity.
