From MSNBC.COM: 

Study: Even a few extra pounds are risky

Those who are overweight are 20 to 40 percent more likely to die early

Being a little overweight can kill you, according to new research that leaves little room for denial that a few extra pounds is harmful. Baby boomers who were even just a tad pudgy were more likely to die prematurely than those who were at a healthy weight, U.S. researchers reported Tuesday.

While obesity has been known to contribute to early death, the link between being overweight and dying prematurely has been controversial. Some experts have argued that a few extra pounds does no harm.

(more here)

I’ve noticed that since I’ve lost 40 lbs I’m not nearly as sick as I used to be.  I used to get sick all the time, or have aches and pains,  now thats pretty rare.  Not to mention that I have a lot more energy and stamina now.

If you think about it, it makes sense in a Darwinistic kind of way.  Studies show that people with low calorie diets age slower,  it’s natures way of slowing the metabolism when food stores are scarce, to preserve life.

That being the case, why not the opposite?   If there are Fat Bastards everywhere, perhaps nature gives those people higher rates of cancer, heart disease, etc.  Because it sees them as a drain on natural resources.

Something to think about.