British researchers at the University of Oxford analyzed the findings of 57 studies, following almost 1 million people for 15 years, including 100,000 who died during that time. Their studies revealed that those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 to 35 lowered their life expectancy by three years. Those with a BMI of 40 and above cut 10 years from their lifespan ("Study: Obesity Shaves Years Off Life," Associated Press, March 18, 2009).

The results of this study aren't groundbreaking, but they are an impressive reminder of the importance of living a fit and healthy lifestyle and staying in a moderate weight range for longer life.