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By Newsweek Editors
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Obesity Risk Overstated
In a finding that surprised even researchers, a Centers for Disease Control study found that persons who are moderately overweight have a lower risk of death than those of normal weight. Researchers cautioned that the obese--those considered extremely overweight--still face higher risks of death. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, also found that those considered underweight have slightly higher risks of death.
The CDC used the government's definitions for underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese. Overweight is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 25-30. A person with a BMI over 30 is considered obese. For example, a 5-foot, 9-inch tall person weighing between 169-203 pounds is considered overweight by government-issued guidelines. Anything over that is considered obese.
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In analyzing survey data on more than 30,000 Americans from 2000, the CDC found that obesity is the seventh leading cause of preventable death. The CDC had previously reported obesity as a much higher risk--at No. 2.
Scientists aren't sure why those who are moderately overweight had lower risk of death. Some have speculated that improving health care for some weigh-related conditions, such as diabetes, have improved and reduced mortality rates.
Tip: For more information about weight and to calculate your own BMI, visit the government's Weight-control Information Network [http://win.niddk.nih.gov/statistics/#what]. Those who are very muscular may fall into the "overweight" category even though they are actually in good shape.
An estimated 64 percent of Americans and over 50 percent of Europeans are considered overweight or obese, according to government studies. Being overweight can increase a person's risk of cardiovascular and other diseases.
Rimonabant works by stemming cravings for food. The manufacturer, Sanofi-Synthelabo of France, is also studying the drug as a possible smoking cessation treatment.
In the latest study, 1,507 overweight people were randomly assigned 5 mg or 20 mg of rimonabant, or a placebo administered along with a calorie-controlled diet. After one year, 67 percent of those treated with 20 mg achieved weight loss of at least 5 percent, and 39 percent achieved weight loss of at least 10 percent. Patients assigned 5 mg lost less weight, but did better than those on the placebo. These 20 mg patients also saw greater reductions in waist circumference than those taking the placebo.
The most common side effects were depressed mood, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and dizziness.
Tip: Rimonabant has not yet been approved in the United States. There are several approved drugs on the market designed to help reduce weight, including Xenical and Meridia. Check with your doctor for advice on a sensible weight-loss plan, and remember that all drugs carry the risk of side effects.
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