Overweight and Underweight

METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY HOME OFFICE: NEW YORK Pacific Coast Head Office: San Francisco Canadian Head Office: Ottawa
Edition of January 1953 COPYRIGHT 1950, METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.
P.F.M.—PRINTED IN U.S.A.—(u) 380 L. W. (Edition Jan. 1953)
Desirable weight is a very individual thing. It may be described as the weight at which a person both looks and feels his best. Height, bone structure, and muscular development must all be taken into account.
Because no two people are alike, weight tables cannot show with complete accuracy exactly what every individual should weigh. The tables shown here are given as a guide rather than as a rigid standard to which everyone should conform. They show desirable weights for men and women at age 25 and over. After a person is full grown and has reached his best weight, he should not gain or lose much for the rest of his life. It used to be considered inevitable and normal for people to get heavier toward middle age. We know now that it is not a normal part of getting older, not healthy, and not necessary.
Life is much easier in many ways for people who are not too fat or too thin. They usually feel and look better. They are apt to live longer. They are less likely to suffer from backaches, foot troubles, constant fatigue, and a host of daily discomforts. They have more fun buying clothes. Normal weight is worth any effort it takes to reach and keep—worth it in terms of everyday comfort and of a healthier, longer life.
Anyone who is 15 or more pounds heavier than his desirable weight is considered overweight. For those still in their 20’s or younger a little extra weight does no harm. For people over 30 it is not good.
Overweight is a danger signal, particularly for those over 40. Studies of life insurance figures show that overweight people develop diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other life-shortening conditions earlier, and are apt to die younger, than people whose weight is normal. They are poor surgical risks and have less resistance to infection. Stout women are more likely to develop complications in pregnancy.