According to a new U.S. study, being fit helps you to live longer, even if you're fat. Findings of the study show that the fittest fat men and women aged 60 and over are more likely to liver longer than their averagely weighted or slim and less fit peers.

The study assessed the fitness of 2,600 adults aged 60 or older and measured their Body Mass Index, an indicator of obesity, and percentage body fat. Over the course of 12 years, 450 died, and what researchers found was that they had lower fitness levels than those who survived, regardless of BMI.

Dr. Steven Blair, who led the study, said: "We observed that fit obese individuals had a lower risk of all-cause mortality than did unfit, normal weight or lean individuals. It may be possible to reduce all-cause death rates among older adults by promoting regular physical activity - such as brisk walking for 30 minutes or more most days."

What this study shows is that all older people, including those who are obese, can benefit from increasing their activity levels. It could add years to your life.