Being overweight poses serious health risks and can lead to early death. Carrying excess body fat increases the risk of diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes and several types of cancer. Research shows that compared to people of normal weight, overweight individuals have a 60% greater chance of dying within 10 years from any cause, while obese people (BMI over 30) have over twice the risk of early death. The dangers of excess weight are heightened for some groups - white people and black men face significantly higher health risks than black women when overweight. However, no one is protected from illness and early death when obesity levels are reached.