Obesity as risky as smoking

Being obese is as big a health risk as smoking, a group of health experts have warned.

The report published in the Lancet found a body mass index (BMI) above the ideal range of 22.5-25 kg/m2 leads to increased mortality rates.

Researchers found that above 25 kg/m2, each extra 5 kg/m2 results in an increased overall mortality of around one third.

Scientists examined around 900,000 adults and analysed the relationship between BMI and the risk of dying from particular diseases.

They found severe obesity ? a BMI of 40 to 50, which applies to two per cent of the UK population – reduced life expectancy by about ten years.

Commenting on the findings, Dr Gary Whitlock, from the University of Oxford, said: “If you are becoming overweight or obese, avoiding further weight gain could well add years to your life.”

Professor Sir Richard Peto, also from the Clinical Trial Service Unit at the University of Oxford, further warned against continuing to smoke.

“This study has shown that continuing to smoke is as dangerous as doubling your body weight and three times as dangerous as moderate obesity,” he concluded.