According to a study published in the International Journal of Obesity, the adverse risks of obesity may not affect the individuals till the age of 40.

However, the extra weight that one carries around does lead to health complications.

The researchers compared the medications that were undertaken by more than 17,900 normal weights, overweight and obese Americans, within the age bracket of 25 to 70 years.

It was highlighted that though the obese people of all ages took slightly more medications than those of normal weight; however, the differences in medication used were not evident until adults were aged 40 or were older.

The results of the study found that 28.7% of obese men and 25.2% of normal weight men aged 25 to 39, took medications.

In the age brackets of 40 to 54, it was established that 60 % of obese men were on medication as against 39.3% of men that weighed average.

The researchers claimed that the differences in medications taken by normal weight adults and those considered merely overweight were small at all ages.

Experts suggest that obesity is measured by body mass index i. e. the measurement between weight and height. People with a BMI of 30 or higher, are considered obese. The BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 was considered to be of normal weight.

However, experts believe that BMI, which was used to assess weight status in the study, might not be the most ideal way in calculating one’s wellbeing.

The lead study author, Brant Jarrett said to The Times that, “It’s not the best measure in terms of risk factors or current health”.