One of the authors, Melinda Irwin, recommends exercise for cancer survivors.  It would appear exercise assists to regulate hormones, with regular activity improving survival rates for both obese and healthy weight individuals.  

To read the article click on the link:  American Institute for Cancer Research article

source: http://www.aicr.org/site/News2/

regards, Keith

A study looked at the relation between body mass index, exercise, overall health, and physical functioning in people in their fifties.  Results indicate maintaining ideal body weight is important in preventing decline in overall health and physical functioning. However, regular exercise can reduce the risk of health decline even among individuals who cannot achieve ideal weight.

The findings reinforce the importance of eating well to maintain weight and losing weight if need be.  I recall another study finding over 30% of middle aged people are overweight.  This would indicate many of us are at risk of poor health and would benefit from losing weight.  The value of exercise is also reinforced and indicates the importance of maintaining activity whatever our age. 

So eat well and keep moving, Keith 

^{reference: Xiaoxing Z. He, MD, MPH and David W. Baker, September 2004, Vol 94, No. 9, American Journal of Public Health}

In wandering the web I came across the results of a study to determine the risk of death associated with being underweight or overweight as measured by body mass index (BMI).  The authors used the following measures: underweight (body mass index [BMI] <18.5), overweight (BMI 25 to <30), and obesity (BMI >30). 

They looked at deaths in the United States in 2000 and found 111,606 excess deaths from obesity and 33,746 associated with being underweight.  They found being overweight (BMI 25 to <30) did not contribute to excess deaths compared with those of normal weight.

reference: K. M. Flegal, B. I. Graubard, D. F. Williamson & M. H. Gail,  The Journal of the American Medical Association, April, 2005;293, No 15

The increased risk to health as people reach increasing levels of obesity is widely promoted.  The need to lose weight and avoid obesity is supported by this study.  Interesting that being over weight without being obese did not lead to increased risk of death.  It is also interesting that being underweight increases the risk of death. 

Food for thought!  Keith

I wonder if some of the criticism of the Index is based on denial.  When I was at my heaviest I was borderline obese according to the index.  I found this hard to accept.  Me.  Obese.  Never.  A bit overweight maybe.  Although I didn’t set my goal weight with the BMI in mind it turns out my goal weight was equal to a BMI of 23, comfortably inside the Normal range.   A score of 23 was easily achievable for someone of my build.

BMI Table: BMI categories as per the US Department of Health and Human Services

Even if you are suspicious of the above table tracking your BMI as you lose weight can be motivational.  You may wish to use BMI scores as a set of short term goals to track progress to your goal weight.

While I use any of the many BMI calculators on the internet you can also use the following formulas:

BMI Metric Calculation

BMI = weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared = kg / m²

BMI Imperial Calculation

BMI = weight in pounds x 703 divided by height in inches squared

= (lbs x 703) / inches²

All the best, Keith