Obesity, the direct result of overeating, has been definitely proved to shorten life, Dr. Frederick J. Stare, chairman of the department of Nutrition at the School of Public Health, said in the current issue of the U.S. News and World Report.

Stare, in a seven page feature interview, urged obese persons to reduce, since losing weight will increase the life span of overweight individuals. A fat adult male in the age range 20-29 has an 80 per cent higher mortality rate than the average male of the same age group, he said.

As one of several suggestions on how to eat less fattening meals, Stare stressed the importance of a large breakfast, because it elevates the blood sugar, which regulates the appetite. When the level of blood sugar is kept high, an individual feels less hungry. This objective can also be obtained, he continued, "by nibbling a short time before a meal."

Exercise, moderate but consistent, is an excellent method to use up excess calories, the nutritionist said. In the long run, however, he emphasized, the best way to remain normally healthy is to cut down on eating in order not to become dangerously fat.