Recently , a study on thousands of fat men and women showed that more than one in three were perfected healthy or had only slight health problems . Scientists have pointed that it may be better to stay fat than go on diet after diet.

Many people think that one has to be thin to keep fit . However , fat people are no more likely to die at any given time than those of ideal weight . Indeed , they are less likely to be killed by heart disease . They are also in better health than those who have fought a constant battle with their weight by repeatedly dieting.

Researchers say there is more to good health than how much a person weighs , and that many people who are overweight are fine as they are . Repeated dieting can do more harm than good to their health . So , rather than try to lose the extra pounds , they should simply concentrate on not putting on any more weight .

The advice comes from the researchers at Toronto’s York University who surveyed the health of more than 6000 fat men and women for an average of 16 years . They accepted medical and physical tests and their results were compared with those of thousands of people of normal weight. It clearly showed that being slim wasn’t always better , according to the journal Applied Physiology , Nutrition and Metabolism.

Those who are overweight may be healthier as they may exercise more and eat better than thin people who try to hold back their appetites (食欲). And a stressed-out , stationary (久坐不动的) person of normal weight may be in worse shape than a fat person who exercises and keeps stress levels under control.

The Canadian researchers said that doctors should look at overall health rather than just use body mass index , a measure of weight compared to height , to judge whether a person needs to lose weight.

A previous study found that retired old people who were slightly overweight lived longer than those of normal weight .

Australian researchers said a bit of extra fat might give people the reserves needed to recover from illnesses . It is also possible that concern about the health of the overweight means that problems are found and treated earlier.

66. Which of the following is TRUE about the recent study?

   A. It surveyed both fat and slim people.

B. It involved thousands of fat men and women.

C. It carried out some mental and physical tests.

D. It proved that we should try to put on weight.

67. According to the text , overweight people are less likely to die from        

A. heart disease      B. repeatedly dieting     C. too much stress   D. high blood pressure

68. The advice from Canadian researchers is probably most encouraging for       .

A. those who are suffering from disease

B. those who are in good health

C. those who have retired for years

D. those who are going on diet

69. Why are some fat people healthier than slim people according to the researchers?

A. They try to hold back their appetites.

B. They take more exercise and eat better.

C. Their excess pounds are easy to lose.

D. Their body mass index is much lower.

70. What is the text mainly about?

A. There is a relationship between overweight and ill nesses.

B. Focusing on fitness change can help people live longer.

C. Being fat may be healthier than constantly trying to diet.

D. There is no need to pay attention to our weight.