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Obesity accelerates aging: Mechanisms and therapeutic implications
Rui Zhang1, Linlin Liu2, Xiaoman Shi1
1Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
Genes & Diseases
|June 4, 2026
Summary
Global aging presents public health challenges. This review explores how obesity accelerates aging and discusses anti-obesity therapies for combating aging and related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Public Health
- Metabolic Diseases and Aging Research
Background:
- Global aging population is rising, posing significant public health challenges.
- Aging is characterized by hallmarks like inflammation, telomere depletion, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Obesity is a chronic disease that accelerates aging and shares common features with the aging process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the intricate relationship between obesity and aging.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of anti-obesity strategies in mitigating aging and age-related diseases.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review and synthesis.
- Analysis of shared hallmarks between obesity and aging.
- Evaluation of anti-obesity therapies for anti-aging applications.
Main Results:
- Obesity accelerates key aging hallmarks, including systemic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction.
- Shared molecular and cellular pathways link obesity and the aging process.
- Evidence suggests anti-obesity interventions may target aging mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Obesity significantly contributes to accelerated aging and age-related pathologies.
- Targeting obesity offers a promising therapeutic avenue for combating aging.
- Further research into anti-obesity therapies could yield novel anti-aging strategies.
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