Exploring the Causal Relationship and Potential Mediating Mechanisms Between Obesity and Facial Aging: A Two-Sample,
Jiaqi Lian1, Zhiyun Zhang1, Wenzhuo Yang2
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology
|April 2, 2026
Summary
Obesity accelerates facial aging (FA) in men over 50 and generally, but not in younger women. Weight management is key for mitigating FA and understanding its causes.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Aging Research
- Metabolic Health and Dermatology
- Epidemiology of Aging
Background:
- Obesity is a known risk factor for many age-related diseases.
- The specific impact of obesity on facial aging (FA) is not well understood.
- Understanding these links is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal relationship between obesity phenotypes and facial aging.
- To examine gender- and age-specific effects of obesity on FA.
- To identify potential mediating mechanisms in the obesity-FA relationship.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two-sample, multivariable, and mediation Mendelian Randomization (MR) analyses.
- Employed genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR).
- Conducted sex- and age-stratified analyses and explored 44 potential mediators.
Main Results:
- Higher genetically predicted BMI was linked to accelerated FA, except in women under 50.
- Higher genetically predicted WHR was associated with increased FA risk in men over 50.
- Myocardial infarction, smoking, and premature menarche were independent risk factors for FA; several factors partially mediated the BMI-FA link.
Conclusions:
- Obesity phenotypes have distinct, gender- and age-specific effects on facial aging.
- Weight management may be a crucial intervention for mitigating facial aging.
- This study enhances understanding of the etiology of facial aging.
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