Some extra body weight might INCREASE life expectancy

[Pwns]

Not that I'm going to take this as gospel (although it is worth pointing out that this is a huge meta study), but can we at least acknowledge that the relationship between extra body fat and health is far more complex than the decades old science that we are trying to base a lot of our nanny state policies (or proposed nanny state policies) on?

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style ... 34743.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[travelinman67]

Shit, just what we need...

...D1B still around at 125.

[Grizalltheway]

Probably should have capitalized SOME, Pwns. The problem is the growing number of people who look like this:

[D1B]

Shit, just what we need...

...D1B still around at 125.

You love me and you know it.

[JohnStOnge]

Not that I'm going to take this as gospel (although it is worth pointing out that this is a huge meta study), but can we at least acknowledge that the relationship between extra body fat and health is far more complex than the decades old science that we are trying to base a lot of our nanny state policies (or proposed nanny state policies) on?

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style ... 34743.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Association. A meta analysis of observational studies. Observational study. Same as the research purporting to show that being overweight DOES shorten the life span. Observational study does not really establish anything. It just suggests.

One thing that struck me in the article is the following statement:

The sum total of medical expert opinion cannot have got it so wrong.

To me anybody who thinks like that is sadly mistaken. Yes, Virginia, the "sum total of medical expert opinion" can get it wrong. Just ask the guys who established, through experimentation, that bacteria are a factor in stomach ulcers.

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

D1B may live forever.........................