Northwestern University recently released a study linking middle-age obesity with a higher rate of heart disease. The study is noteworthy because it tracked 17,640 participants for more than 30 years.

An abstract of the study can be viewed, for free, on JAMA's web site. A press release about the study can be viewed on Northwestern's web site.

What is unknown is whether the study's participants engaged in regular exercise and dieting. Numerous other studies have shown long-term benefits to engaging in regular fitness regime, watching caloric intake, and making careful diet choices. In other words, you'll live longer if you stay active and eat more vegatables than cookies.

Although weight is important, exercise and diet are more important. It's more important to be happy with your body, be active, and eat right than it is to simply lose weight. Don't get us wrong, losing weight is important, but making lifestyle and attitude changes will do more for you.