Causal effects of body composition on lifespan: Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors' conclusion
Our study provides additional evidence highlighting the role of body composition rather than relying solely on BMI, with possibly a greater role of lean or fat-free mass in men. Waist circumference is a key target of intervention for men and women.
Study context
- Population
- Men and women; genetically predicted measures of body composition
- Comparison
- Genetically predicted body composition measures and lifespan
- Outcome
- Lifespan
Methodological detailsunivariable and multivariable Mendelian Randomization (MR), inverse variance weighting, mediation analysis by waist circumference
- Univariable and multivariable MR
- Inverse variance weighting
- Mediation analysis by waist circumference
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Lifespan change per SD higher genetically predicted fat mass (univariable MR)
Men
−2.69
CI −3.14–-2.23 · years
Women
−2.48
CI −3.04–-1.93 · years
Further findings
Appendicular lean mass and grip strength
- Positively associated with lifespan in men, but not women
- Univariable MR
Fat-free mass (multivariable MR)
- Fat-free mass also beneficial for men
- Multivariable MR
Mediation of BMI effect on lifespan
- Effect of BMI on lifespan largely mediated by waist circumference
Original publication
Causal effects of body composition on lifespan: Mendelian randomization analysis. Int J Obes (Lond). Published 29 May 2025. doi:10.
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