You may have heard the expression knowledge is power.

Well, today we're going to give you more power to control your diet and lifestyle by giving

you the facts.

Welcome to the Nutrition Facts Podcast.

I'm your host, Dr. Michael Greger.

Today we look at a condition that comes with a multitude of serious health issues, obesity.

And we start with the best ways to figure out our optimal weight based on our height.

We seem to become inert to the mortal threat of obesity.

If you go back to that medical age, you're a half century or so.

When obesity wasn't just run of the mill, the descriptions are much more grim.

Obesity is always tragic and its hazards are terrifying.

But it's not just obesity.

Of the four million deaths every year attributed to excess body fat, nearly 40% of the victim

are just overweight, not obese.

According to two famous Harvard studies, Weight Gain of a little less 11 pounds from early

adulthood through middle age increases risk of major chronic diseases such as diabetes,

cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

The flip side, though, is that even modest weight loss can have major health benefits.

What's the optimal BMI?

The largest studies in the United States and around the world found that having a normal

body mass index, a BMI from 20 to 25, is associated with the longest life.

Put all the best available studies with the longest follow-up together and that can be

...