Body build and mortality. The Framingham study.

Results of the Framingham study are compared with those of the 1959 Build and Blood Pressure Study (BBPS) using the same definitions of body build and using similar follow-up periods for mortality. Findings of the Framingham study do not accord with the insurance experience of that comprises the BBPS. With minor exceptions the insurance experience demonstrates that the greater the relative weight, the greater the risk of death. The unselected population sample of the Framingham study shows minimum mortality around the average weight with increased mortality for persons weighing less or more than average. The higher proportion of lean persons who smoke does not account for the excess mortality in the leanest group. These study differences raise questions on the current standards of ideal weight used for the American population.