The Adonis Effect
As reported at ScienceDaily, researchers have uncovered the genetic basis for age-related bone thinning and weight gain. Their work shows that "laboratory mice without this gene function have 70 percent less body fat and exhibit the dense bones and lean bodies of young mice." Osteoporosis - age-related bone loss - is a concern for many people in the healthy life extension community, especially those practicing calorie restriction. The prospect of a genetic therapy for this condition - at some point in the future, past many more experimental, regulatory and commercial hurdles - is an exciting one. Controlling the amount of body fat should also greatly reduce the risk of suffering other age-related conditions.
Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/08/040817080650.htm