Lifestyle modification reduces phenotypic age in adults with prediabetes

In a randomized clinical trial of 181 Arab adults with prediabetes, researchers tested whether a structured lifestyle modification program affects biological aging. Participants were assigned either to a control group that received an educational brochure or to an intervention group with specific diet and exercise targets. The program prescribed a five percent weight reduction, 150 minutes of weekly moderate exercise, lower fat intake, and higher fiber intake. After six months, participants in the lifestyle group reduced their PhenoAge by 4.9 years, whereas control participants showed a 1.3-year increase. The lifestyle intervention also reduced waist circumference by 6.3 centimeters and lowered HbA1c by 0.4 percent. However, changes in secondary circulating biomarkers, including sclerostin and GDF-15, appeared to be time-dependent rather than specific to the lifestyle intervention.