Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
09:10
Measuring Single-Cell Aging with an Imaging-based Biomarker of Chromatin and Epigenetic Aging
Published on: January 30, 2026
Body mass index, physical activity, and epigenetic aging: a cross-population study
Bojun Zhou1,2, Dongzhe Wu2, Shuting Chen2,3
1Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, 100091, Beijing, China.
Clinical Epigenetics
|May 8, 2026
Summary
High body mass index (BMI) in early life causally accelerates epigenetic aging. Physical activity can partially mitigate this aging acceleration, highlighting its importance for healthy aging.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics and aging research
- Obesity and metabolic health
- Genetics and population health
Background:
- Observational studies link higher BMI to accelerated epigenetic aging.
- The onset and duration of this association from early life to adulthood remain unclear.
- This study investigates the impact of BMI and physical activity on epigenetic aging across the lifespan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of BMI and physical activity on epigenetic aging from childhood to adulthood.
- To determine if early-life BMI causally influences epigenetic age acceleration.
- To assess the mediating role of physical activity in attenuating age-related epigenetic changes.
Main Methods:
- Integrated multi-source data including GWAS, NHANES, and clinical samples.
- Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to infer causality between early-life BMI and epigenetic age acceleration.
- NHANES data analysis for population-level validation and examination of biomarkers for physical activity effects.
Main Results:
- High early-life BMI and childhood obesity were causally associated with accelerated epigenetic aging.
- Physical activity acted as a mediator, reducing epigenetic aging acceleration by 10.70%–16.22%.
- Epigenetic age acceleration increased progressively with BMI categories, with females showing more severe acceleration than males at similar BMI levels.
Conclusions:
- BMI is strongly linked to accelerated epigenetic aging, starting in childhood and worsening with higher BMI.
- Physical activity may partially counteract BMI-driven epigenetic aging.
- Findings underscore the importance of weight management and physical activity for healthy aging.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
01:20Gene-Environment Interactions
Gene expression is a dynamic process that is significantly influenced by environmental factors. This interaction underlies the complex nature of biological development and the phenotypic differences observed among individuals, even among those with identical genetic makeups. Factors such as radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress play pivotal roles in determining how genes are expressed. The concept of the reaction range is central to understanding this interaction. It posits...
01:00Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Distribution
Drug distribution in the human body is influenced by several factors, including plasma protein concentration, body composition, blood flow, tissue-protein concentration, and tissue fluid pH. Among these, changes in plasma protein concentration and body composition due to aging significantly affect how drugs are distributed within the body. Specifically, aging is associated with a decrease in albumin levels by about 10% and an increase in α1-acid glycoprotein levels. These alterations are not...
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
01:37Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
X-chromosome...
01:26Aging
Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...