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Is bigger always better?

It depends. Throughout the human lifespan, body size plays an important role in determining health outcomes and quality of life. It's not just about body mass index, fat distribution, weight, or muscle mass: there also exists a relationship between body size and longevity across multiple species, including humans. On average, larger species seem to live longer and age more slowly—think about the fact that dogs age about seven times faster than do humans, who are both heavier and taller than dogs. But within species, that relationship flips around: larger individuals age more rapidly and live shorter lifespans than do smaller individuals.

As with seemingly everything in aging, the relationship between body size and the rate of aging is complex and the result of an interplay between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, most of which scientists are still investigating. In this episode of Longevity Science, Matt dives into the nuances of body size and aging rate, discussing currently available data about how the two interact, intriguing outliers and exceptions, and potential molecular and evolutionary drivers.

0:00 Trailer
0:46 Introduction
3:35 Why so many people get the relationship wrong
4:48 The relationship between body size and lifespan across species
8:26 The mechanism that accounts for cross-species differences in longevity
14:22 Within-species differences in longevity
17:33 Dogs as a case study
20:04 Other species
22:01 The mechanism that accounts for within-species differences in longevity
28:04 Humans
31:21 What would happen if we turned down developmental hormone signalling during adulthood?
40:33 Summing up

Producers: Tara Mei, Nicholas Arapis
Video Editor: Jacob Keliikoa

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.

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https://www.optispan.life/

Hi, I'm Matt Kaeberlein. I spent the first few decades of my career doing scientific research into the biology of aging, trying to understand the finer details of how humans age in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life. Now I want to take some of that knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of people who can really use it.

On this podcast I talk about all things aging and healthspan, from supplements and nutrition to the latest discoveries in longevity research. My goal is to lift the veil on the geroscience and longevity world and help you apply what we know to your own personal health trajectory. I care about quality science and will always be honest about what I don't know. I hope you'll find these episodes helpful!