Do Short People Live Longer?
Do Short People Live Longer: Did you know that BMI is one of the leading risk factors for death? Studies have shown that short people have lower BMIs than tall guys. The association between BMI and longevity is well-known and many people are advised to keep their BMI under control. A total body training program can also help you stay in shape and lower your BMI.
Methuselah gene
Scientists first started looking for "Methuselah genes" in the early 1980s. They began by turning one gene on and then measuring the length of the mutant worms' lives. Biomedical researcher Thomas Johnson, then at the University of California, Irvine, discovered that turning off the gene that controls the length of life doubled the lifespan of the worms.
The findings of this study suggest that there are many factors that affect longevity. Genetics is only one of them, but it is known that the presence of certain genes can make you live longer. Some of these genes serve biochemical roles and interfere with the aging process.
Lifestyle choices
In addition to genetics, lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on how long you live. Studies show that shorter people are more resistant to certain diseases. For example, short men have lower fasting insulin levels than tall men. They are also more likely to have a longer lifespan. Moreover, they may benefit from calorie restriction.
The new study analyzed the impact of various low-risk lifestyle factors on life span in the U.S. The results were published in the journal Circulation today. Although Americans' life span is lower than those of other high-income countries, there is evidence that certain lifestyle choices may have a positive impact on lifespan. In fact, in 2015, Americans were ranked 31st among high-income countries.
Heart disease
Short people have an increased risk of developing heart disease. A recent study led by researchers in Finland found that short men and women had 1.5 times the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This risk was even higher among short women. The study also showed that short people had higher fat and cholesterol levels. The researchers believe that this may be due to poorer diets and socioeconomic status.
Although cardiovascular disease is still one of the leading causes of death in the United States, life expectancy has increased in recent years. Several factors increase the risk of heart disease, including high blood pressure and obesity. African Americans, for example, have 3.4 years less life expectancy than their white counterparts. Asian Indian and Filipino populations suffer the greatest losses to heart disease, losing up to 18 years of life.
Cancer
The recent discovery that shorter people have a lower risk of cancer may explain why some studies show that they live longer than their taller counterparts. Short people carry a particular gene called FOXO3, which causes the size of their bodies to stay constrained during development. This gene is associated with lower levels of insulin and a lower risk of cancer. The findings are the first time that a specific gene is linked to longevity and a lower risk of cancer.
Interestingly, there is a relationship between height and cancer risk in post-menopausal women. However, there is no proof that height is inversely related to longevity. In men, being taller does not increase their chances of getting cancer. However, when gender is taken into account, men who are short are at a lower risk of cancer.
Physical activity
In studies, those who engage in regular physical activity are more likely to live longer than those who are inactive. In fact, the average life expectancy of people who are physically active is up to four years longer than those who are inactive. There is some conflicting evidence, however, regarding the benefits of sports, especially high-intensity athletics.
Researchers from Brigham Young University studied DNA samples from almost 6,000 people. They found that people who engaged in more physical activity had longer telomeres. This means that they are biologically younger.
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