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'Obesity paradox' misunderstands the biology of optimal weight throughout the life cycle.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Dixon, JB; Egger, GJ; Finkelstein, EA; Kral, JG; Lambert, GW
Published in: Int J Obes (Lond)
January 2015

The 'obesity paradox' refers to observations that run counter to the thesis that normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 g/m(2)) provides the lowest mortality and higher weight is associated with greater mortality. We argue that the weight of lowest mortality is influenced by aging and chronic disease, with mortality advantage extending into the overweight and even class I obese ranges under some circumstances. A focus on quality nutrition, physical activity, fitness, and maintaining function in these weight ranges may be preferable to a focus on intentional weight loss, which has uncertain effects. The 'obesity paradox' is no 'paradox' if one defines and interprets 'ideal' weight appropriately.

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Published In

Int J Obes (Lond)

DOI

EISSN

1476-5497

Publication Date

January 2015

Volume

39

Issue

1

Start / End Page

82 / 84

Location

England

Related Subject Headings

  • Weight Loss
  • Time Factors
  • Risk Factors
  • Obesity
  • Nutritional Status
  • Life Style
  • Humans
  • Exercise
  • Endocrinology & Metabolism
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
 

Citation

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Dixon, J. B., Egger, G. J., Finkelstein, E. A., Kral, J. G., & Lambert, G. W. (2015). 'Obesity paradox' misunderstands the biology of optimal weight throughout the life cycle. Int J Obes (Lond), 39(1), 82–84. https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2014.59
Dixon, J. B., G. J. Egger, E. A. Finkelstein, J. G. Kral, and G. W. Lambert. “'Obesity paradox' misunderstands the biology of optimal weight throughout the life cycle.Int J Obes (Lond) 39, no. 1 (January 2015): 82–84. https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2014.59.
Dixon JB, Egger GJ, Finkelstein EA, Kral JG, Lambert GW. 'Obesity paradox' misunderstands the biology of optimal weight throughout the life cycle. Int J Obes (Lond). 2015 Jan;39(1):82–4.
Dixon, J. B., et al. “'Obesity paradox' misunderstands the biology of optimal weight throughout the life cycle.Int J Obes (Lond), vol. 39, no. 1, Jan. 2015, pp. 82–84. Pubmed, doi:10.1038/ijo.2014.59.
Dixon JB, Egger GJ, Finkelstein EA, Kral JG, Lambert GW. 'Obesity paradox' misunderstands the biology of optimal weight throughout the life cycle. Int J Obes (Lond). 2015 Jan;39(1):82–84.

Published In

Int J Obes (Lond)

DOI

EISSN

1476-5497

Publication Date

January 2015

Volume

39

Issue

1

Start / End Page

82 / 84

Location

England

Related Subject Headings

  • Weight Loss
  • Time Factors
  • Risk Factors
  • Obesity
  • Nutritional Status
  • Life Style
  • Humans
  • Exercise
  • Endocrinology & Metabolism
  • Cardiovascular Diseases