A groundbreaking study presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Vienna is challenging the long-held belief that being overweight automatically means a shorter life. Danish researchers revealed that people classified as overweight, or even moderately obese, were no more likely to die early than those in the upper “normal” BMI range.
The research, which tracked more than 85,000 individuals over five years, paints a more complex picture of health and body weight — and could reshape how doctors and policymakers across the Gulf and beyond approach weight-related health risks.
The Surprising Findings
- Overweight is not a death sentence: People with a BMI between 25 and 30 had no higher mortality risk compared to those in the “healthy” range of 22.5 to 25.
- Underweight is dangerous: Those who were underweight (below 18.5) were nearly three times more likely to die. Even people at the lower end of the “normal” range (18.5–22.5) faced a 27% higher risk of death compared to those at the top of the normal scale.
- Moderate obesity can still be safe: Some individuals with BMI above 30 showed no increased likelihood of early death, giving weight to the idea of being “fat but fit.”
- Severe obesity remains risky: A BMI of 35–40 was linked with a 23% greater chance of death.
The findings held true regardless of age, sex, or education level.
Expert Reactions
Dr. Sigrid Bjerge Gribsholt of the Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, who led the study, acknowledged the dual challenge of both underweight and obesity:
“Obesity disrupts the body’s metabolism and raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. On the other hand, being underweight is linked with malnutrition, weakened immunity and nutrient deficiencies.”
She added that the “ideal” BMI range for survival may be shifting upwards, thanks to medical advances and improved healthcare systems — a finding particularly relevant in the Gulf, where obesity rates are among the world’s highest but healthcare outcomes are steadily improving.
Another expert, Professor Bruun, cautioned that BMI alone is a blunt tool:
“Where you carry fat matters more than the number on the scale. Visceral fat — stored deep in the abdomen — is far more harmful than fat on the hips or thighs. That’s why two people with the same BMI can have very different health outcomes.”
What It Means for the Gulf
With obesity and diabetes already significant public health challenges across the GCC, the study provides a fresh perspective:
- Weight stigma may be misleading – Not all excess weight is equally harmful.
- Underweight risks need more attention – often overlooked in health campaigns.
- Personalised medicine is key – Doctors in the region may need to focus more on fat distribution, lifestyle and metabolic health rather than BMI alone.
The Bottom Line
The message from Vienna is clear: a higher BMI does not automatically mean higher risk of early death. But while the findings support the notion of being “fat but fit,” experts warn against complacency. Extreme obesity remains dangerous, and underweight may be more deadly than most realise.
For the Gulf, where weight-related health campaigns often focus exclusively on obesity, this study calls for a more nuanced approach — one that looks beyond the scales to consider lifestyle, diet, fat distribution and overall fitness.
