Medical research shows that being overweight leads to several health problems, among them Type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease, hypertension, stroke and physical incapacitation. But in a strange twist, a new study shows that elderly people, between the ages of 70 and 75, had a lower mortality rate if they were overweight. Mortality rate was found to be higher in those of what is considered normal weight. Underweight elderly people had the highest mortality rate, a fact that can be explained by the body being in a weak state.

Overweight people had a 13% likelihood of dying from any disease over a period of 10 years, while underweight people had a 76% chance of dying from any cause. Those of normal weight had the same mortality rate as obese people.

Although doctors do not have a clear explanation for this unusual finding, they say that the additional adipose and metabolic reserves provided the body with much needed protection and energy. In the event where overweight people suffer from an illness, the nutritional and metabolic reserves enable them to recover faster.

Exercise further reduces the chances of dying, while lack of exercise increases one’s chances of dying. Learn more on health in old age from the site here.