The obesity paradox : when thinner means sicker and heavier means healthier / Carl J. Lavie, M.D. ; with Kristin Loberg.

"In this groundbreaking book, Carl Lavie, MD, reveals the science behind the obesity paradox and shows us how to achieve maximum health rather than minimum weight."--Publisher information.

Research conducted over the last decade shows that overweight and even moderately obese people with certain chronic diseases-- from heart disease to cancer-- often live longer and fare better than normal weight individuals with the same ailments. Lavie reveals the science behind the obesity paradox and shows us how to achieve maximum health rather than minimum weight. He argues that we've gotten so used to framing health issues in terms of obesity that we overlook other potential causes of disease.

New York, New York : Hudson Street Press, [2014]

xix, 268 pages ; 24 cm

Introduction: The miseducation of fat -- I. Paradox for the ages : 1. Obesity: what does that really mean? ; 2. The ultimate scapegoat: the conventional wisdom about obesity as a modern scourge ; Fat real estate: does location matter? ; A big deal: You can be fat, fit, and remarkably healthy ; Getting to the "fat" of the matter: the obesity paradox -- II. The purpose and power of fat : 6. Fat fundamentals: why do we need it anyway? ; 7. From bagels and broccoli to body fat: how does it get there (and how does it get burned)? ; 8. Cause and effect: the real killer isn't obesity -- III. Striking the balance : Walking the fine line: when sweating breaks your heart ; Your personal prescription: 10 principles for minding the u-curve --Epilogue: Survival of the fittest.

Part I. A paradox for the ages : Obesity: what does that really mean? -- The ultimate scapegoat: the conventional wisdom about obesity as a modern scourge -- Fat real estate: does location matter? -- A big deal: you can be fat, fit, and remarkably healthy -- Getting to the "fat" of the matter: the obesity paradox -- Part II. The purpose and power of fat : Fat fundamentals: why do we need it anyway? -- From bagels and broccoli to body fat: how does it get there (and how does it get burned)? -- Cause and effect: the real killer isn't obesity -- Part III. Striking the balance : Walking the fine line: when sweating breaks your heart -- Your personal prescription: 10 principles for minding the U-curve -- Epilogue : Survival of the fittest.

Includes bibliographical references and index.