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In reply to the discussion: Our Absurd Fear of Fat [View all]HiPointDem
(20,729 posts)51. He's reporting the results of a meta-analysis of nearly 100 scientific studies with more than a
a million subjects.
Most of the reports we read in media about research into weight, diet & health are written by non-experts. Often over-hyping results of low statistical significance or low numbers of subjects. Often they amount to PR releases for various behind-the-scenes interests.
Moderately overweight to moderately obese people have no increased risk of mortality compared to normal weight people, and perhaps even a lower risk of mortality: this is not new news, it's been documented for some time. This is simply the biggest meta-analysis done on the topic.
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I think that there have been multiple (perhaps thousands) of scientific studies conducted
Tutonic
Jan 2013
#1
Oh what scientific basis is he suggesting that very obese people are killed by "social stigma"?
Warren DeMontague
Jan 2013
#5
Like, say, not going to the doctor because the diagnosis is always "lose weight"
eridani
Jan 2013
#7
The science says something different. It's well-known in the field; moderate overweight - moderate
HiPointDem
Jan 2013
#43
I wouldn't write off the possibility of unknown environmental variables being a factor, too.
Warren DeMontague
Jan 2013
#6
Trying to redefine very obese as somehow "healthy" isn't going to help.
Warren DeMontague
Jan 2013
#18
Except the science says that indeed, moderately obese are healthy, as measured by mortality risk.
HiPointDem
Jan 2013
#45
I rarely go to the mall, and I don't give a shit what other people do.
Warren DeMontague
Jan 2013
#48
There's no such 'standard AMA weight chart'. Old-style Height/Weight charts aren't typically used
HiPointDem
Jan 2013
#56
It's not simply weight, so those height-weight charts don't tell the whole story.
Warren DeMontague
Jan 2013
#4
And women with proportionally more fat and less muscle are statistically going to outlive you n/t
eridani
Jan 2013
#8
Height-weight charts aren't used much anymore in clinical practice. Also, Campos doesn't say
HiPointDem
Jan 2013
#50
My biggest problem with the weight thing is I would be considered overweight
Arcanetrance
Jan 2013
#10
I don't get winded and I bet I am more fit than these people who are obsessed with appearance
duffyduff
Jan 2013
#76
He's reporting the results of a meta-analysis of nearly 100 scientific studies with more than a
HiPointDem
Jan 2013
#51
I don't claim to be better than skinny people but they seem to think they are better than me
liberal_at_heart
Jan 2013
#28
Any link to the study, or another commentary on it, not behind the NYT paywall?
muriel_volestrangler
Jan 2013
#32
Fat cells make estrogen. Even after menopause. I think that's the connection.
HiPointDem
Jan 2013
#58
some gets exported; and estrones can be converted to estradiol by the liver. I don't understand
HiPointDem
Jan 2013
#68
I do weight-bearing exercise all the time, and I bet I am in better shape than most "thin" people.
duffyduff
Jan 2013
#77