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Sample Preparation to Bioinformatics Analysis of DNA Methylation: Association Strategy for Obesity and Related Trait Studies
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Obesity and accelerated epigenetic aging in a high-risk cohort of children

Laura Etzel1, Waylon J Hastings1, Molly A Hall2

  • 1Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.

Scientific Reports
|May 18, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity is linked to accelerated epigenetic aging, a marker of biological aging. This study found higher body mass index (BMI) in children predicted faster epigenetic aging, suggesting early-life impacts on future health risks.

Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics
  • Pediatric Health
  • Aging Research

Background:

  • Obesity is increasingly recognized as a disease linked to accelerated biological aging.
  • While obesity's association with epigenetic aging is known in adults, its impact in childhood is less understood.
  • Cellular aging pathways may mediate the link between obesity and adverse health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and accelerated epigenetic aging in a cohort of high-risk children.
  • To determine if obesity in childhood predicts epigenetic aging markers.
  • To explore the implications of early-life obesity on long-term health and mortality risk.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study of 273 children (aged 8-14 years) assessed for maltreatment.
  • Body mass index (BMI) measured as a continuous variable.
  • Epigenetic aging assessed using established clocks (Horvath, Hannum, GrimAge, PhenoAge) and the DunedinPoAm algorithm on blood leukocytes.

Main Results:

  • Higher age- and sex-adjusted BMI z-scores were significantly correlated with GrimAge, PhenoAge, and DunedinPoAm.
  • In fully adjusted models, GrimAge and DunedinPoAm remained significantly associated with higher BMI.
  • Maltreatment status was not associated with accelerated epigenetic aging.

Conclusions:

  • Accelerated epigenetic aging, as measured by GrimAge and DunedinPoAm, is associated with higher BMI in high-risk children.
  • The link between obesity and accelerated epigenetic aging appears to begin in early life.
  • These findings highlight potential long-term morbidity and mortality risks associated with childhood obesity.

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