Obesity is ‘biggest cause of premature death’

Obesity is the top cause of a shortened life span ahead of diabetes, tobacco use, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, according to a study.

Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic and New York University School of Medicine in the United States found that obesity resulted in as much as 47 per cent more life-years lost than tobacco, and tobacco was as lifeshortening as high blood pressure.

Dr Glen Taksler, lead author of the study, said: “These preliminary results continue to highlight the importance of weight loss, diabetes management and healthy eating.” He added that diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can all be treated.