Bariatric Surgery May Reverse Premature Aging Effects
It’s well known that bariatric surgery can help people shed a tremendous amount of weight and reshape their bodies in the process. Researchers are finding this type of medical procedure may also be a fountain of youth of sorts, as well. Recent studies have shed light on changes at the molecular level that occur following surgery that may actually reverse premature aging in cells.
To arrive at those findings, researchers looked at “telomeres.” These are structures that are found at the ends of every chromosome in the body. Their purpose is to protect DNA. As cells divide, a portion of the telomere’s length is lost. Once enough length is lost, cells stop dividing, which is a mark of aging. A number of lifestyle habits can increase the rate at which telomeres are lost, including smoking, poor diet and obesity.
The recent study found that people who undergo bariatric surgery have noticeable changes in their telomeres. After surgery, the speed at which telomeres shorten is markedly reduced. At a two-year post-surgery mark, researchers also found that patients’ telomeres seemed to have gained length rather than lost it.
Premature aging on the cellular level tends to go hand-in-hand with obesity. Bariatric surgery may have the ability to reverse this effect while also enabling the telomeres to gain length in the process, the study found.
While more study is required to back the findings, it does appear that bariatric surgery can have very positive effects on premature aging. As evidenced by the length gain in telomeres, it may also help reverse the process to an extent.
People who are obese are urged to speak with their doctors about weight loss options. Losing weight can do more than slow the aging process. It may also help prevent heart disease, diabetes and a host of other life-limiting medical complications.
To arrive at those findings, researchers looked at “telomeres.” These are structures that are found at the ends of every chromosome in the body. Their purpose is to protect DNA. As cells divide, a portion of the telomere’s length is lost. Once enough length is lost, cells stop dividing, which is a mark of aging. A number of lifestyle habits can increase the rate at which telomeres are lost, including smoking, poor diet and obesity.
The recent study found that people who undergo bariatric surgery have noticeable changes in their telomeres. After surgery, the speed at which telomeres shorten is markedly reduced. At a two-year post-surgery mark, researchers also found that patients’ telomeres seemed to have gained length rather than lost it.
Premature aging on the cellular level tends to go hand-in-hand with obesity. Bariatric surgery may have the ability to reverse this effect while also enabling the telomeres to gain length in the process, the study found.
While more study is required to back the findings, it does appear that bariatric surgery can have very positive effects on premature aging. As evidenced by the length gain in telomeres, it may also help reverse the process to an extent.
People who are obese are urged to speak with their doctors about weight loss options. Losing weight can do more than slow the aging process. It may also help prevent heart disease, diabetes and a host of other life-limiting medical complications.
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