Study: Could being overweight be a good thing?

The gyms will be packed this week with resolution-ers from all over, but could being overweight actually be good for you?

A new study suggests so – in a way.

Researchers say carrying a few extra pounds could actually someday save your life.

The Journal of American Medical Association study of more than 3 million people worldwide found that people who are slightly overweight have a lower risk of dying early. The risk is about 6 percent lower than those with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI).

BMI is a measurement of body fat accounting for a person's height and weight. A normal BMI is considered 18.5 to 24.9. "Above normal" is considered to be 25 to 29.9. "Least obese" is considered 30 to 34.5, while obese is anything above 35.

And if your BMI is above normal, your risk of dying early goes down, according to the study. Researchers believe body fat stored up can actually help save you if you get sick later in life.

The study emphasizes this is only the case for people who are slightly overweight, not over the 35 BMI level.