Slightly obese people may live longer than the average person of €˜healthy weight'

Everyone knows being slim means you'll live longer, right? New research suggests everyone might be wrong. A review of almost 100 studies canvassing three million people found those who are "overweight or slightly obese" have a six percent lower risk of dying than those of "normal" weight. Scientists have noticed this so-called "obesity paradox" before, though some believe it's just a statistical quirk skewed by frail, elderly people whose thinness is a symptom of serious illness. However, being "severely obese" is still linked to a significantly higher risk of death, so don't give up on your New Year's resolution to shed a few pounds just yet.