Body Mass Index (BMI) as a predictor of health is a somewhat contentious issue. What we do know is someone who is heavier relative to height, has a heart attack 12 years earlier than a ‘normal’ weight person. Of note is that smokers suffer them only 10 years earlier – so in relation to age of heart attack, being heavier for height is more of a risk factor than smoking.
Of course this is based on averages, but what is unknown is the precise cause. For example, is it the amount of food, type of food, lack of exercise, genetics, a combination of above, or a totally different factor that accounts for the difference?
It would be great if this one factor was identified, then we could address that, but in the mean time it probably pays to eat good food, exercise a little, and not to smoke.
I hope these are not new concepts for you.
