As were individuals with a BMI in the underweight range. "There are conflicting findings about the BMI range linked to lowest mortality. "Still, in line with earlier research, we found that people who are in the underweight range face a much higher risk of death." Visceral fat - fat that is very metabolically active and stored deep within the abdomen, wrapped around the organs - secretes compounds that adversely affect metabolic health. Reference:Being too thin can be deadlier than being overweight, Danish study reveals, European Association for the Study of Diabetes, Meeting:Annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD).