Long-Term Obesity Associated with Accelerated Biological Aging in Young Adults

Recent research has revealed a notable connection between long-term obesity and the increased expression of aging biomarkers in young adults aged 28 to 31 years. Published on July 17, 2025, in JAMA Network Open, the study underscores how persistent obesity over the years can induce molecular signatures typically associated with aging.

The study, led by Dr. Paulina Correa-Burrows from the Universidad de Chile, examined a cohort of 205 young adults from the Santiago Longitudinal Study, a comprehensive Chilean birth cohort. Participants' body mass index (BMI) trajectories were categorized as maintaining a healthy BMI, persisting obesity since adolescence, or persisting obesity since childhood. The mean duration of obesity was nearly 13 years for those with persistent obesity since adolescence and approximately 27 years for those with obesity since childhood.

Findings demonstrated that long-term obesity correlates strongly with elevated levels of biomarkers indicating antagonistic and integrative aging processes, including increased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, fibroblast growth factor 21, insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2, along with metabolic hormones such as irisin and apelin. These molecular signatures suggest that individuals with prolonged obesity may experience premature physiological decline, with aging-related changes evident at a relatively young age.

The implications of this research are significant, suggesting that persistent obesity may accelerate biological aging, potentially increasing the risk for age-related diseases earlier in life. These findings highlight the importance of early intervention and sustained weight management to mitigate premature aging and health decline.

For more detailed information, the full study can be accessed via JAMA Network Open.