Daily HealthBeat Tip

The bigger they are...

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I�m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Avoiding overeating can be a great way to avoid injuries. A recent study indicates extremely obese people are more likely than normal-weight people to injure themselves.

The one-year study by researchers at Ohio State University found that extremely obese people were more prone to falls, back pains, and injuries � generally inside the home, but also in other areas, such as store parking lots. Underweight people reported the fewest injuries.

In general, the heavier the person, the greater the risk of injury. And the risk is greater for obese women than for obese men.

Researcher Huiyun Xiang (hoo-yin shahng)�s study was supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Maintaining a healthy body weight and physical fitness will not only reduce the risk of chronic disease but also reduce the risk of injuries." (11 seconds)

Learn more at www.hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: October 3, 2005

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