Obesity Cuts Life Span

As the smoking epidemic wanes in the western world and we find ourselves in the midst of an obesity epidemic, two important new studies have emerged showing that obesity can, on average, cut more than a decade from a person's life. Reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association and the Annals of Internal Medicine, the studies found that obesity is of particular concern for younger adults in their 20s and 30s. The risk is greatest for obese African-American men, who stand to lose about 20 years of life, even after accounting for smoking. Researchers recommend 30 to 60 minutes of moderate activity each day to move each of us in the right direction-toward better health, vitality and longevity.References available on request.