Podcasts Health The Primal Kitchen Podcast Is There Really an Obesity Paradox?

Is There Really an Obesity Paradox?

Published: Dec. 9, 2015, 8 p.m.

A couple weeks ago, I\xa0linked to an article discussing the \u201cobesity paradox\u201d\u2014the idea that across many different studies and populations,\xa0people with\xa0slightly overweight and even obese BMIs often have the lowest mortality risk. The author is Harriet Brown, a supporter of the \u201cHealth At Every Size\u201d movement, comes down hard on the side of overweight/obesity as safe and even beneficial. At first glance, she makes a strong case. She appears to cite compelling research. She talks to obesity researchers who\u2019ve found protective links between higher BMIs and better health and been lambasted by their colleagues. And if the general consensus is right, and carrying extra weight is so unhealthy, why are obesity and overweight\xa0consistently associated with a lower risk of death?

\n(This Mark's Daily Apple article was written by Mark Sisson, and is narrated by Tina Leaman)