Researchers from the University of Michigan found that obese patients had higher survival rates from sepsis than normal weight patients. A study of over 1,400 Medicare patients found heavier patients who got sepsis were more likely to survive. While many doctors believe obese patients will do worse with conditions like sepsis, this study found they actually have lower mortality and similar functional outcomes as normal weight patients. However, maintaining a normal weight still has many health benefits overall. Understanding how body weight impacts responses to critical illnesses can help improve care for sepsis and other conditions.