Does Obesity Increase All-cause Mortality?—It Depends

A large study published in JAMA showed that prominent obesity (BMI >35) increased all-cause mortality, but that slight obesity (BMI >30) did not increase the risk and being just overweight (BMI >25) actually decreased all-cause mortality significantly. Thus a few extra pounds might be beneficial, but overdoing it certainly puts you at risk. Very interesting. See JAMA, January 2, 2013, p. 71-82.