It’s well known that obesity significantly increases risk for cardiovascular disease. But it turns out that a Mediterranean-type diet - high in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, with some fish and limited red and processed meat - may at least partially offset that risk. In a new Swedish study that followed nearly 80,000 people over 21 years, the risk of mortality associated with being overweight was significantly reduced in those who adhered to a med-style diet. The researchers argue that more focus should be on healthy diet, rather than simply weight loss, for long-term health.