I read both articles with interest, Tom, and I believe they are both right for all the reasons stated in each. The point, however (as we both well know) is that it is not more days we seek through fitness but better sleep, better digestion, better health overall.  The obese article notes well that, "it’s possible that overweight and obese people get better medical care, either because they show symptoms of disease earlier or because they’re screened more regularly for chronic diseases stemming from their weight, such as diabetes or heart problems."

So I pose the question to you: Which way would your rather gain your extra 2.8 years? With or without chronic disease?

Ron Andruff 4485 days ago

Interesting articles. I too was about to post the quote Ron had posted. And I think I'd like to add that I'd rather be and feel like being in shape, and happy with myself, than live a life being overweight. Works for some, doesn't work for me. So I think the solution is to both stay in shape AND go to the doctor in time... That should be the recipé for the longest and happiest life I would think? I sure am happier about myself now than I was when I was 35 (and back then, out of shape and overweight).

Lars Nordhild Rønning 4485 days ago