Study Finds Fat Smokers Age FasterA study from London shows that women who are overweight or who smoke age faster, as measured by the length of remaining telomeres in their cells. Both smokers and obese subjects had shorter telomeres, which the study authors attributed to oxidative stress. The subjects for this study were 1,122 women aged 18 to 76, of whom 120 were obese (remember this is from Enland, we would have to guess a similar sized group from the U.S. would show more obesity). There were 531 who never smoked, 369 who had quit smoking and 203 regular smokers. The difference indicated by the length of telomeres between lean and obese women was found to be around 8.8 years. Women who smoked or were smokers earlier were found to have biologically aged 4.6 years faster than non-smokers. Those who smoked one whole packed per day for 40 years were found to have aged 7.4 years faster than those who were non-smokers. Reports on this study do not explain how oxidative stress, which is known to damage cells, might lead to shortening the telomeres, but simply claim there is a link. This study clearly shows how people choose to live shorter lives by engaging in unhealthful activities and allowing their weight to get out of control. Taking proactive steps to lengthen your life will have little effect if you don't start with the basics -- a healthy lifestyle. |
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