029. Changes in Life Expectancy with Increase in Obesity

The most common method of measuring obesity is the Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is calculated by dividing body weight (kilograms) by height (metres) squared. An adult BMI of between 25 and 29.9 is classified as overweight and a BMI of 30 or over is classified as obese

Increase in obesity from a normal 21 to obese 33 lowers life expectancy by at least five years.

SOURCE: http://www.realclearscience.com/journal_club/2013/08/05/obesity_rates_and_life_expectancy_by_us_state_106622.html