Neu-Isenburg, Germany­ People who sleep for short periods are fatter than long sleepers, according to an article published in the German medical journal Aertzte Zeitung.

Based on the finding of a US study, women who slept between five and six hours gained on average of between 0.7 and 1.1 kilos in weight compared to women who spent seven or more hours in bed. The figures were compiled by Cleveland-based Doctor Sanjay R Patel using data gathered by the Nurses Health Study.

Long sleep patterns can help fight obesity