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
That Extra 7lbs May Be Deadly
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)

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.
(More obesity stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X