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Computer Simulation Mimics Life Expectancy Outlook with Obesity

Nearly two-thirds of Australian adults are overweight or obese and the rates are increasing, said Dr. Thomas Lung, of the Obesity and Life Expectancy study from the George Institute.

Lung developed a computer simulation model that took into account the changing obesity rates over time and its impact on mortality and then predicted over a lifetime how it would affect a person’s life expectancy.

Excess weight resulted in reduced life expectancy across all ages.

Adults with obesity from 20 to 29 years could lose up to 10 years of their life compared to more healthy counterparts. Those 40 to 49 years were predicted to lose 7 to 8 years and people 60 to 69 years could lose 4 to 4.5 years of life.

“The results are alarming but for those in their twenties and thirties, they have the most amount of time to make the necessary changes to reduce their excessive weight so they don’t have to experience a loss in life expectancy,” Dr. Lung said.

Dr Lung added that more resources are needed to target young adults in reducing their excessive weight.

 

Video Content: The George Institute for Global Health

Video Source: EurekAlert

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