sad story all to itself. BMI is in itself a strong predictor of overall mortality both above and below the apparent optimum of about 225 -- 25 kg/m2. The progressive excess mortality above this range is due mainly to vascular disease and is probably largely causal. At 30 -- 35 kg/m2, median survival is reduced by 2 -- 4 years; at 40 -- 45 kg/m2, it is reduced by 8 -- 10 years (which is comparable with the effects of smoking). The definite excess mortality below 225 kg/m2 is due mainly to smoking-related diseases, and is not fully explained. So obesity is certainly killing some considerable numbers prematurely. Exercise of course is very good for you, but it takes a fair amount of exercise to burn off quite a small number of calories. Exercise outdoors in green spaces has considerable mental health benefits as well. Um if the title was a little less in-correct then perhaps this article would hold more weight... ahem. Obesity is killing people and more often than not obesity as well as chronic overeating is as a result of not enough or no exercise. Yes people can be all different shapes and sizes and still be fit but the obese who are dying because of their obesity are not the fit and healthy, they are the unfit over-eaters, is that not the point exactly? Many people who train 4-5 times a week eat junk food but because they exercise hard (and some do brazilian ju-jitsu) as