Signs of Aging
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Excess weight can also result in major hormone imbalance and may cause men and women to experience problems with fertility and the ability to conceive.
However, a new study has found that in addition to helping patients lose excess weight, bariatric surgery can reverse signs of aging in most patients by lengthening telomeres.
Telomeres are caps on the ends of chromosomes that are responsible for the rate at which a person ages. Telomeres are often compared to the caps at the ends of shoelaces that prevent them from becoming frayed and unraveled, which eventually happens to telomeres in individuals who become obese and practice poor lifestyle habits. As telomeres become shorter, so does the lifespan of that particular individual.
Individuals who practice healthy lifestyle habits such as exercising regularly, eating nutritious foods, and getting a good night’s sleep on a routine basis often tend to have longer telomeres than individuals who are generally more sedentary and eat high-fat foods that lack nutrition. Shorter telomeres are often associated with health problems and physical signs of aging such as wrinkles, graying hair, balding, and more.
During the study, researchers from Stanford University found that patients with shorter telomeres were able to lengthen their telomeres as a result of losing weight and conforming to a healthier lifestyle following weight-loss surgery. In the months and years following surgery, weight-loss patients were able to develop a more youthful appearance and better health — especially those who were previously at high risk for heart disease and cancer. In conclusion, the researchers who led the study say that weight-loss surgery can make a huge difference in a person’s lifestyle in regards to physical appearance and overall better health — as long as they continue to adhere to a solid diet and exercise plan following bariatric surgery.
If you are interested in weight loss surgery, check out MBL’s Ultimate Guide To Weight Loss Surgery.
