Fit and Fat Beats Lean and Mean

Being "lean and mean" doesn't naturally translate to longevity. Researchers say unfit lean men are three times more likely to die than their in-shape counterparts.

Writing in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, University of Houston scientists say in a study report that while "most researchers agree obesity is associated with health hazards and leanness is associated with health benefits," the lean individuals they looked at had increased longevity "only if they were physically fit; furthermore, obese men who were fit did not have elevated mortality."

And in a surprising finding, the researchers say mortality rates among lean men who were fit and obese men considered fit were not very different.

Whether observing lean or heavier individuals, the scientists say that chances for a longer, healthier life for men remains linked to exercise that improves risk factors and that "increases in physical activity or fitness extend longevity."