article_snippet.sent: For years we have been told that the first step to staying healthy is to keep to a healthy weight - that means making sure your Body Mass Index (BMI) is within the normal range of 18 to 24.
article_snippet.sent: Few people are advised to gain weight, unless Few people BMI is below 18, but could that change?
article_snippet.sent: So could being cuddly fat, rather than hugely overweight, protect you against dying early?
article_snippet.sent: but once you've fallen ill, being a bit overweight seems to have a protective effect. '
article_snippet.sent: Millions would then not be pushed into losing weight when Millions did not need to or when it might be harmful.
article_snippet.sent: The number of Britons who go on a diet in any given year .
article_snippet.sent: Heavier people have better survival rates,' says Dr Flegal. '
article_snippet.sent: If you get pneumonia and lose 15 lb, it helps to have 15 lb spare'.
article_snippet.sent: Fat is a vital source of the energy needed for recovery and also helps the immune system.
highlights_snippet.sent: Having more fat when you fall ill is associated with better recovery .
  