An article in Nature describes the conflict over a meta-analysis of some 97 studies, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). It turns out many scientists don't want you to know the finding of that analysis.
The controversial meta-analysis finds that being somewhat overweight (but not obese) is actually healthier for people of middle age or older. Healthier than being at the so-called "ideal" weight. Let me speculate about why this finding might occur.
Today's lifestyle is relatively sedentary, much locomotion is by auto or airplane rather than on foot or bicycle, and many of our meals are eaten in restaurants, in fast food places, or takeout eaten at home - all of which are likely to be high calorie, high sodium, and somewhat unhealthy.
Given that, perhaps many people who are at or below the ideal weight are only there because they are in some way, perhaps as yet undiagnosed, unhealthy. Many others are at that lower weight because they are those nervous, hyperkinetic people whose nature is that of the candle burning at both ends, and who die young as a consequence.
Close to three million people are included in the 97 studies rolled together in the meta-analysis, so I don't think we can just ignore the finding. Something is going on. Maybe slightly overweight is the new normal just as 60 is the new 40.
