Title
Obesity and Ageing are two sides of the same coin
Research Area
Health
Author
Santosa et al; Obesity Reviews, 2020
Summary of Findings
A study by Concordia University researchers has demonstrated that the conditions and comorbidities of obesity mirror those of ageing and age-related diseases, and has called for obesity to be classified as premature ageing. The study showed that obesity and ageing share a similar spectrum of phenotypes such as compromised genomic integrity, impaired mitochondrial function, accumulation of intracellular macromolecules, weakened immunity, shifts in tissue and body composition, and enhanced systemic inflammation.
In terms of genetic patterns, the researchers found that obesity influences a number of age-associated alterations including the shortening of protective caps found on the ends of chromosomes, called telomeres which, in obese patients, can be more than 25 per cent shorter than those seen in control patients.
The study also suggests that obesity’s effects on cognitive decline, mobility, hypertension and stress are all similar to those of ageing. The researchers concluded that obesity speeds up the ageing of the immune system by targeting different immune cells, and that later weight reduction will not always reverse the process.
Other conditions common with obese patients that are usually associated with ageing include a higher risk of sarcopenia (progressive decline in muscle mass and strength) and susceptibility to type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's and types of cancer.
Implications
The observations raised by this research should focus our approach to understanding obesity a little more, and at the same time allow us to think of obesity in different ways. They're also critical tools in communicating the need for healthy lifestyles as part of our engagement with inactive people.
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