Chronic Obesity Associated with Aging Biomarkers in Young Adults

Recent research has indicated a significant connection between prolonged obesity and the expression of biomarkers that reflect aging processes in individuals aged between 28 and 31 years. This study, published in JAMA Network Open, underscores the potential early onset of age-related physiological decline linked to sustained obesity.

Led by researchers from the Universidad de Chile, the study analyzed data from the Santiago Longitudinal Study, a prospective cohort examining the life trajectories of adults. Participants were categorized based on their body mass index (BMI) history: those with a consistently healthy BMI throughout their lives, individuals who had persistent obesity since adolescence, and those who experienced obesity from childhood.

The group comprised 205 adults, with 43% maintaining a healthy BMI, 21% experiencing obesity since their teenage years, and 36% since childhood. Findings revealed that the average duration of obesity was 12.9 years for the adolescent-onset group and 26.6 years for those who became obese in childhood. The researchers noted a distinct association between long-term obesity and elevated levels of several biomarkers associated with aging.

Among the biomarkers evaluated were high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, fibroblast growth factor 21, insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2, apelin, and irisin. The data demonstrated a substantial effect size indicating that prolonged obesity correlates with these aging markers, suggesting that physiological aging may begin as early as the late twenties in individuals with a history of obesity.

The study's authors concluded that their findings point to a concerning trend of premature physiological decline in obese young adults, marked by molecular signatures of aging. This research adds to the growing body of evidence that highlights the health implications of obesity, emphasizing the need for early intervention and management strategies to mitigate long-term health risks associated with this condition.

Overall, this research sheds light on the intricate relationship between obesity and aging, prompting further investigation into how lifestyle and dietary choices can impact long-term health outcomes.