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That Extra 7lbs May Be Deadly

Study says modest weight gains risky

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 23, 2008 7:08 AM CST

(Newser) – Even being slightly overweight can seriously increase the risk of heart problems, Reuters reports. A 20-year study of roughly 20,000 male doctors in the US found that every 7 pounds of excess body weight upped the risk of heart failure by 11%. The fatal condition, in which the heart can’t pump enough blood throughout the body, plays a part in 300,000 US deaths each year.

However, researchers also found that even a modest amount of exercise can go a long way toward improving heart health. "Even if somebody said they exercised one to three times per month—which is a very low level of exercise—they had an 18% reduction in the risk of heart failure after accounting for all other established risk factors," said one of the researchers.

A new study says a small amount of extra weight can be deadly but even moderate exercise can cut the risk of heart disease.
A new study says a small amount of extra weight can be deadly but even moderate exercise can cut the risk of heart disease.   (AP Photo)
Angel Moreno, 14, who weighs 157 lbs, gets a check-up at Children's Hospital in Mexico City, Friday, Aug. 29, 2008. Mexico is set to surpass the US as one of the world's fattest countries by 2018.
Angel Moreno, 14, who weighs 157 lbs, gets a check-up at Children's Hospital in Mexico City, Friday, Aug. 29, 2008. Mexico is set to surpass the US as one of the world's fattest countries by 2018.   (AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini)
A new study says that even a small amount of excess weight can seriously increase the risk of heart attack in men.
A new study says that even a small amount of excess weight can seriously increase the risk of heart attack in men.   (AP GRAPHIC)
A new study says a small amount of extra weight can be deadly but even moderate exercise can cut the risk of heart disease.
A new study says a small amount of extra weight can be deadly but even moderate exercise can cut the risk of heart disease.   (AP Photo/Alexander F. Yuan)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Shannonals
Dec 27, 2008 2:23 AM CST
Guess it's time to hit the tredmills

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