A new report suggests that being overweight is not as
harmful as is commonly believed, and actually confers some
surprising benefits.

      Being five to ten pounds overweight could protect people
from ailments ranging from tuberculosis to Alzheimer's
disease, research indicates. Those carrying 15 to 25 extra
pounds are better able to recover from adverse conditions
such as emphysema, pneumonia, and various injuries and
infections, states the report.

      Thirty to forty pounds of flab could help fend off breast,
kidney, pancreatic, prostate, and colon cancer. And an extra
fifty pounds on the scale may improve eyesight, reverse
baldness, cure the common cold, and reduce global warming.

      In general, the report concludes, overweight people are
happier, more successful in business, smarter, and
friendlier.

      The study was funded by a research grant from McDonald's,
Burger King, Jack in the Box, Taco Bell, Domino's Pizza,
Starbucks, Haagen Dazs, Sara Lee, and Krispy Kreme.