Wrinkles, fatigue, grey hair? US heart surgeon shares 5 common habits that make you age faster than you think

Most people nowadays are constantly chasing quick fixes to slow down ageing. From purchasing expensive skincare routines and using anti-ageing creams to popping in supplements or going for cosmetic treatments, there’s a growing belief that ageing can be ‘paused’ if you just find the right product. But in our rush to fix things externally, we overlook the basics like sleep, nutrition, stress, and lifestyle. Recently, US-based board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Jeremy London shed light on the commonly overlooked factors that speed up ageing.

Jeremy London shared a video on Instagram where he listed 5 habits that people unconsciously engage in that make them grow older fast. Let’s take a look:

Smoking and vaping

Dr Jeremy London explains that both smoking and vaping are among the fastest ways to accelerate the body’s decline. According to him, the toxic substances released during these habits increase oxidative stress and directly damage DNA. Over time, this cellular damage contributes significantly to faster physical deterioration and internal ageing.

Sedentary lifestyle

The doctor highlights that the human body is designed to stay active. A lack of movement gradually weakens essential functions. Sitting for prolonged periods reduces the body’s ability to efficiently deliver oxygen and nutrients. It also affects mitochondrial function, which plays a key role in energy production, thereby speeding up the overall ageing process.

Chronic stress

Dr London points out that unmanaged, long-term stress can deeply impact the body. Emotional strain or constant financial pressure keeps the body in a prolonged state of tension. This not only increases inflammation but also disrupts DNA regulation and shortens telomeres, all of which are closely linked to faster ageing.

Poor sleep

Quality sleep, he notes, is essential for the body’s repair systems. When sleep is compromised, critical processes like DNA repair and hormone regulation are affected. It also disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythm, which controls gene expression, ultimately contributing to premature ageing.

Obesity and poor diet

Dr London further emphasises that excessive calorie intake combined with minimal physical activity leads to fat accumulation, especially around vital organs. This visceral fat increases inflammation, insulin resistance, and metabolic dysfunction, all of which play a major role in accelerating the ageing process.

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To conclude, Dr Jeremy London stresses that slowing down ageing is more about consistently making healthier choices that support the body from within.