How does obesity affect life expectancy?

Int'l Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA)

Studies have suggested that the effects of obesity are similar to aging 20 years, but researchers disagree about the impact of obesity on life expectancy. Some researchers have calculated that obesity currently shortens life expectancy by four to nine months and that life expectancy could continue to decline by as much as five years if obesity trends continue.

Other reports suggest that despite the prevalence of debilitating, obesity-related illnesses, Americans are living longer. There is no winning outcome. Americans are either dying sooner or they are living longer with pain.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Obesity

If you have too much body fat, you are obese, just like over 70 million other Americans. It happens because you eat more calories than you use, and your body converts the excess to fat. There are lots of reasons that this can happen. Our lifestyle may lack exercise, we are given portions that are too big and too caloric when we eat, and some of us are just more efficient genetically at converting food into fat.

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