Groundbreaking IOS Study Reveals: Long-Term Obesity Accelerates Biological Aging, Especially in Those with Lower Genetic Risk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

International Obesity Society (IOS) – A landmark study published by IOS members in the high-impact journal BMC Medicine provides novel insights into how long-term body weight patterns interact with genetic predisposition to influence the fundamental pace of aging. The research, titled "Long-term BMI trajectories and epigenetic age acceleration: the role of genetic risk for obesity," addresses critical gaps in our understanding of the obesity-aging nexus.

The first author is Yue Wen, Co-Chair of the International Obesity Society (IOS) China Working Group on Bariatric Case Management. She is from the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.

Bridging a Critical Knowledge Gap

While obesity is a well-established risk factor for age-related diseases, the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and molecular markers of biological aging has been inconsistent. Previous studies often relied on single BMI measurements and largely ignored an individual's genetic background. This new research, led by Dr. Yue Wen and colleagues, is the first to simultaneously examine the joint effects of 20-year BMI trajectories and genetic susceptibility on epigenetic age acceleration (EAA)—a robust biomarker indicating whether a person's biological age is older or younger than their chronological age.

Study Design and Key Findings

The team analyzed data from 3,312 participants in the US Health and Retirement Study, tracking BMI biennially from 1996 to 2016 and measuring EAA using 13 different epigenetic clocks in 2016. Genetic risk for obesity was assessed via a polygenic risk score (PRS).

The study yielded several pivotal findings:

1. Trajectory Matters: Participants exhibited stable long-term weight patterns, classified as consistently normal weight, overweight, or obese. Only long-termobesity, not overweight, was significantly associated with accelerated epigenetic aging.

   
   

2. The Genetic Paradox: The association between a consistently obese trajectory and faster biological aging was most pronounced among individuals withlow or moderate genetic risk for obesity. This suggests that for those not genetically predisposed to high weight, maintaining an obese state over decades may have particularly detrimental effects on cellular aging processes.

   
   

3. Early Warning Sign: BMI measurements began to predict accelerated epigenetic aging at least8 years before the EAA was measured, highlighting the long-term predictive value of weight history.

   
   

4. Lifestyle vs. Genetics: Overall, 41% of individuals had a BMI trajectory consistent with their genetic risk level, while 33% deviated to a worse trajectory and 26% to a better one, underscoring the powerful role of modifiable lifestyle and environmental factors .

   
   

Implications for Science and Patient Care

"This research moves us toward a more nuanced, personalized understanding of obesity," commented a senior author of the study. "It's not just about weight at a single point in time, but the history of weight and how it interacts with an individual's genetic blueprint. The finding that those with lower genetic risk might be more vulnerable to the aging effects of obesity is particularly compelling and warrants further investigation."

The study reinforces the IOS's mission to advance science-driven, integrated care. It underscores that:

• Prevention and early intervention are crucial. The long lead time between BMI changes and detectable epigenetic aging offers a window for action.

  
  

• Care must be personalized. Understanding a patient's genetic risk profile could help tailor the intensity and strategy of weight management interventions.

  
  

• Maintaining a healthy weight long-term is a powerful anti-aging strategy, especially for those without a strong genetic predisposition to obesity.

  
  

Looking Ahead

This work exemplifies the IOS's commitment to fostering cutting-edge, collaborative research that bridges epidemiology, genetics, and molecular biology to transform obesity care. The authors call for future studies to explore the mechanisms behind these associations and to investigate whether successful long-term weight management can decelerate epigenetic aging.

Read the Full Study:

The open-access article is available in BMC Medicine:Long-term BMI trajectories and epigenetic age acceleration: the role of genetic risk for obesity

About the International Obesity Society (IOS):

The IOS is a global organization dedicated to creating a collaborative research ecosystem, promoting excellence in integrated patient care, and defining the future of obesity treatment through innovation and education. We connect experts worldwide to translate scientific discovery into improved outcomes for people living with obesity.