ABOUT THIS EPISODE
BUFFALO, NY — October 28, 2026 — A new #research paper was #published in Volume 18 of Aging on October 6, 2026, titled “Body composition, but not morphological masculinity, is associated with biological aging markers in middle-aged men.”
The study found that masculine physical characteristics were not independently associated with biological aging markers in middle-aged men. Instead, body composition, particularly fat-free mass percentage and body fat distribution, showed stronger relationships with inflammation and growth hormone levels. However, these associations disappeared after adjusting for adiposity, suggesting that body fat may help explain the observed relationships.
The research was led by first and corresponding author Agnieszka Żelaźniewicz, affiliated with the University of Wroclaw.
Aging involves changes in hormonal regulation, immune function, metabolism and body composition. In men, testosterone influences the development of masculine physical characteristics, muscle mass and reproductive function. However, its relationship with biological aging remains unclear, with evidence suggesting both potentially beneficial and harmful effects depending on physiological conditions.
Some evolutionary theories propose that greater investment in reproductive characteristics may come at the expense of long-term bodily maintenance. According to the limited soma hypothesis, resources devoted to reproductive competition could reduce those available for cellular repair and maintenance, potentially accelerating aging.
Traits such as broad shoulders, muscularity, facial proportions and physical strength are influenced to varying degrees by androgen signaling. If developing and maintaining these characteristics carries long-term physiological costs, men with more pronounced masculine traits might be expected to show signs of accelerated biological aging.
DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206427
Corresponding author - Agnieszka Żelaźniewicz - agnieszka.zelazniewicz@uwr.edu.pl
Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQa9XRsvrIU
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Keywords - aging, androgen signaling, inflammaging, endocrine aging, klotho, life-history trade-offs
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The study found that masculine physical characteristics were not independently associated with biological aging markers in middle-aged men. Instead, body composition, particularly fat-free mass percentage and body fat distribution, showed stronger relationships with inflammation and growth hormone levels. However, these associations disappeared after adjusting for adiposity, suggesting that body fat may help explain the observed relationships.
The research was led by first and corresponding author Agnieszka Żelaźniewicz, affiliated with the University of Wroclaw.
Aging involves changes in hormonal regulation, immune function, metabolism and body composition. In men, testosterone influences the development of masculine physical characteristics, muscle mass and reproductive function. However, its relationship with biological aging remains unclear, with evidence suggesting both potentially beneficial and harmful effects depending on physiological conditions.
Some evolutionary theories propose that greater investment in reproductive characteristics may come at the expense of long-term bodily maintenance. According to the limited soma hypothesis, resources devoted to reproductive competition could reduce those available for cellular repair and maintenance, potentially accelerating aging.
Traits such as broad shoulders, muscularity, facial proportions and physical strength are influenced to varying degrees by androgen signaling. If developing and maintaining these characteristics carries long-term physiological costs, men with more pronounced masculine traits might be expected to show signs of accelerated biological aging.
DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206427
Corresponding author - Agnieszka Żelaźniewicz - agnieszka.zelazniewicz@uwr.edu.pl
Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQa9XRsvrIU
Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article -
https://aging.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Faging.206427
Subscribe for free publication alerts from Aging - https://www.aging-us.com/subscribe-to-toc-alerts
Keywords - aging, androgen signaling, inflammaging, endocrine aging, klotho, life-history trade-offs
To learn more about the journal, please visit https://www.Aging-US.com and connect with us on social media at:
Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/aging-us.bsky.social
ResearchGate - https://www.researchgate.net/journal/Aging-1945-4589
X - https://twitter.com/AgingJrnl
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AgingUS/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agingjrnl/
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Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/AgingUS/
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YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Aging-US
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1X4HQQgegjReaf6Mozn6Mc
MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM
English
United States
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