That's even independent of risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and arterial disease.
Whatever it is remains unclear although scientists suggest that chronic inflammation that typically comes with weight gain might be the driving force behind the increased risk.
The study in the journal "Heart" found obese middle aged men have a 60 percent increased risk of dying from a heart attack than non-obese middle-aged men.
They add health professionals need to find easier more effective ways to help people lose weight to see if it can help reduce the risk of fatal heart attacks.
