Study Finds Poor Health Leads to Early Death

An unhealthy lifestyle - like being overweight, eating poorly, smoking and drinking and not getting enough exercise - can cut shorten your life by as much as 23 years.

The finding comes from a British study that looked at more than million people over a 50-year period. Researchers warn the problems get worse the earlier those unhealthy lifestyles begin.

A 40-year-old man who has dealt with diabetes, heart attack, and/or stroke could lose 23 years from his life. Someone in their 60s who has dealt with two of those problems could lose 12 years.

The worst problems, such as diabetes and heart disease, are preventable largely by eating right and staying active.