How does obesity affect lifespan? In-depth analysis of mortality statistics and health risks.
Is obesity related to premature death?
Survey data shows that excess weight and premature death are almost directly proportional. For example, men aged 50-55 who are 20% overweight have a 20% higher mortality rate than those with normal weight; if they are 35% overweight, their mortality rate is more than 40% higher. Obese men rarely live to 70.
Further research indicates that approximately one-third of people have their life expectancy shortened due to overweight or obesity.
Comparisons between the mortality rates of obese and normal-weight individuals show that the former are three times higher. While a cured cancer patient's lifespan can be extended by an average of two years, a treated obesity patient's lifespan can be extended by an average of four years.
Further statistics show that, in the 40-49 age group, those overweight by more than 30% have an average mortality rate of 42% for men and 36% for women.
Statistics show that in 1976, in Japan, using a standard mortality rate of 100% as a baseline, the mortality rate for slightly obese individuals was 109.8%, while that for severely obese individuals reached 127.9%.
A survey by the American Life Insurance Company also indicated that for those with an obesity rate greater than 25%, the mortality rate was 128%, and for those with an obesity rate greater than 35-40%, the mortality rate was 151%. The mortality rate increases accordingly with the degree of obesity.
Why is obesity associated with premature death?
Excess weight first and foremost has a detrimental effect on the cardiovascular system. Excess abdominal fat causes the diaphragm to rise, affecting breathing. The heart appears to be encased in a layer of fat armor, affecting myocardial contraction. More than half of those who are not extremely obese develop asthma in their youth, as their enlarged hearts cannot cope. As they age, asthma worsens, and even if weight gain is not significant (as it usually is), it can still lead to premature death.
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