How Childhood Obesity is Stealing Years from Our Kids
Childhood obesity linked to premature aging. UNAM study shows overweight kids have shorter telomeres, indicating accelerated cellular aging. Physical activity can mitigate this effect.
UNAM researchers found that obese and/or overweight children also present processes related to premature aging, such as the shortening of telomeres (regions found at the ends of chromosomes).
“Telomeres are important for maintaining the stability of our entire genome, but as we age, this protective zone decreases. Shortening is associated with a process called senescence, during which cells stop proliferating and the ability to regenerate tissue decreases; it is the prelude to the beginning of aging,” explained Leonor Pérez Martínez, a researcher at the Institute of Biotechnology.
