Researchers are now adding being overweight, not just obese, to the list of risk factors that could cause premature death. New evidence shows that just a “slight increase in BMI” may cause issues later in life. “According to the report, people with BMI readings above the recommended range who were considered overweight showed an 11% increased risk of dying early, defined as death before age 70, compared to people who maintained their recommended BMI. For people with BMI between 30 and 35, the first category for obesity, the risk of premature death increased to 45%, and for those with the highest level of obesity, or BMI of 40 or more, the risk nearly tripled.” The study was done in 32 different countries and collected data from four million people so the researchers are very confident in their results and believe that doctors should continue to emphasize the importance of being a healthy weight.