On 2016 Jun 16, thomas samaras commented:

Low BMI may be a reflection of lower socioeconomic status, smoking, or poor nutrition in the developed world. However, low BMI is not a problem according to a recent study by Aune et al. (2016) that found the best BMI was 20-22 for long-term mortality of life long non-smokers. This study involved a review of 230 studies, 30 million participants, and almost 4 million deaths. In addition, many pre-western people have BMIs of 19-22 and have virtually no CHD or stroke. Examples include 20th C populations in the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Kitava. In addition, the Kalahari bushmen and Congo pymies had no CHD or stroke around the middle of the 20th C. All these people were short and had low BMIs by today's standards. When these people adopt a Western diet, their BMIs and heights increase along with CHD and other chronic diseases.

On 2015 Jun 12, thomas samaras commented:

If we look at non-Western populations, they tend to have low BMS's compared to developed countries and also have very low CHD. In many cases, short, low weight populations have no evidence of CHD or stroke; e.g., Solomon Islanders, Papua New Guinea, Kalahari Bushmen, Congo Pygmies, Yanomami Indians, and Kitavan Islanders. Their low CHD was evident in the mid 20th C and subsequent changes in nutrition and lifestyle have affected their current health. Studies summarizing these and other findings are discussed in two papers below. A paper on the relation of smaller body size to longevity is also listed.

Samaras TT. Shorter height is related to lower cardiovascular disease risk—A narrative review. Indian Heart Journal 2013; 65: 66-71.

Samaras, TT. Is short height really a risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke mortality? A review. Med Sci Monit 2004; 10(4): RA63-76.

Samaras TT. Evidence from eight different types of studies showing that smaller body size is related to greater longevity. Journal of Scientific Research & Reports. 2014: 3 (16): 2150-2160, 2014; article no. JSRR.2014.16.003.

On 2015 Jun 12, thomas samaras commented:

If we look at non-Western populations, they tend to have low BMS's compared to developed countries and also have very low CHD. In many cases, short, low weight populations have no evidence of CHD or stroke; e.g., Solomon Islanders, Papua New Guinea, Kalahari Bushmen, Congo Pygmies, Yanomami Indians, and Kitavan Islanders. Their low CHD was evident in the mid 20th C and subsequent changes in nutrition and lifestyle have affected their current health. Studies summarizing these and other findings are discussed in two papers below. A paper on the relation of smaller body size to longevity is also listed.

Samaras TT. Shorter height is related to lower cardiovascular disease risk—A narrative review. Indian Heart Journal 2013; 65: 66-71.

Samaras, TT. Is short height really a risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke mortality? A review. Med Sci Monit 2004; 10(4): RA63-76.

Samaras TT. Evidence from eight different types of studies showing that smaller body size is related to greater longevity. Journal of Scientific Research & Reports. 2014: 3 (16): 2150-2160, 2014; article no. JSRR.2014.16.003.

On 2016 Jun 16, thomas samaras commented:

Low BMI may be a reflection of lower socioeconomic status, smoking, or poor nutrition in the developed world. However, low BMI is not a problem according to a recent study by Aune et al. (2016) that found the best BMI was 20-22 for long-term mortality of life long non-smokers. This study involved a review of 230 studies, 30 million participants, and almost 4 million deaths. In addition, many pre-western people have BMIs of 19-22 and have virtually no CHD or stroke. Examples include 20th C populations in the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Kitava. In addition, the Kalahari bushmen and Congo pymies had no CHD or stroke around the middle of the 20th C. All these people were short and had low BMIs by today's standards. When these people adopt a Western diet, their BMIs and heights increase along with CHD and other chronic diseases.