Pleasantly plump may live longer, study says

People who are pleasantly plump may have a lower risk of dying than those considered of ideal weight or who are markedly obese, according to a U.S. government report that may alter New Year's resolutions.

The report, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, reviewed 97 studies involving more than 2.88 million people globally. It found the lowest risk among those who are overweight but not obese, according to generally accepted health standards. Those just over the obesity threshold had the next lowest risk.

The findings, by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, were immediately challenged because the report didn't consider gender, age, fat distribution, or fitness levels, factors that influence the risk of disease and death. The researchers agreed that no recommendations should be made based on their findings. And the report shouldn't be viewed as a free pass to overindulge, the researchers said.

-- Bloomberg News