Latest study suggests that overweight and obese people who try to lose weight may live longer than people who do not try to shed excess pounds. Also people who tried but failed to trim down were less likely to die than those who made no attempt. Although weight loss improves risk factors for heart and metabolic disease, it was unclear whether intentional weight loss reduces death rates. Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia studied more than 6,000 obese and overweight people 35 and older who were followed for up to nine years. Intention to lose weight and weight change during the past year were assessed by a self-report. Factors like age, sex, ethnicity, education, smoking, health status, and initial body mass index were adjusted. They found that the death rate was 24% lower in people who lost weight intentionally than in people who did not try to shed pounds and whose weight stayed steady. But the death rate was 31% higher in people who lost weight unintentionally. People who try to lose weight may take steps to make their lifestyle healthier, such as increasing physical activity and eating a better diet, These lifestyle changes may be beneficial even if they do not lead to weight loss. More research is, however, needed to determine why people who try but do not succeed in losing weight live longer. For people who are overweight or obese, a gradual weight loss by making healthy lifestyle changes in moderation is recommended. Besides exercising more and eating less, other healthful steps include eating more fruits and vegetables and adding more fibre in the diet. It can be concluded that attempted weight loss is associated with lower death rates, independent of weight change. Intentional weight loss is associated with lower death rates, and weight loss is associated with higher death rates only if it is unintentional.

Annals of Internal Medicine, March 2003; 138(5)