For the last 20 years or so, health officials have told you that smoking is probably the worst thing you can do to your health. And, for years, I agreed. But during the last 10 years or so, I’ve seen far more damage done to people because of obesity than just about any other health challenge.
Is it possible, though, that obesity is actually as bad for you as smoking? Well, scientists recently revealed evidence that proves the answer to that question is yes.
This alarming news came from a groundbreaking study that was published in The Lancets online magazine. The researchers studied 1,122 women, ages 18-76, at the New Jersey University of Medicine and Dentistry. They discovered that the more you weigh, the faster you age on a molecular level. Excess fat speeds up the unraveling of critical genetic structures inside your cells.
The blueprint for these genetic structures is made up by chromosomes. In high school biology class, you learned that the X and Y chromosomes determine whether you are born male or female. But chromosomes determine a lot more than gender. They also play a part in how long you live.
At the ends of each chromosome is a particular structure of DNA called a telomere. Telomeres cap the ends of your chromosomes and protect them from damage. Each time your cells divide, the telomeres shorten. It has long been known that the length of telomeres is associated with aging. When telomeres get too short, the cell simply cannot divide anymore to produce a new cell. These cells will wither away from normal stresses on them.
On the other hand, cancer cells have mutated in a way that lets them repair their telomeres and, thus, become immortal. This process is a two-edged sword. Normal telomere activity ensures that cells will eventually die rather than become cancerous. However, normal telomere activity also ensures that all of your cells will eventually become old and die. That is why aging is a normal part of life.
The researchers in the New Jersey University study found that the telomeres of obese women and women who smoke are much shorter than those of lean women or women who never smoke.
Overall, the age of obese women (based on length of telomeres) was 8.8 years older than lean women. A current or previous history of smoking added 4.6 years of aging compared to non smokers. Long-term smoking added an additional 7.4 years of aging compared to those who never smoke.
That means overweight and obese people are actually aging faster than smokers! This information is fantastic. It explains why calorie restriction is the only method shown to actually extend life. If excess calories age your telomeres, then it makes logical sense that calorie restriction will preserve them, slow your aging process, and increase your life span. Obviously, your best action to take here is to reduce the calories you consume. Its the only proven way to extend your life.
There is also evidence that resveratrol can mimic the effects of a calorie-restricted diet. It can actually make the cells of your body younger. So make sure you are taking Healthy Resolves Advanced Resveratrol Formula.
Ref: The Lancet, June 13, 2005.