Washington — Teens who frequently lash out at others may face lasting physical health consequences later in life, according to research published by the American Psychological Association. The study found that aggressive behavior in early adolescence is linked to faster biological aging and higher body mass index (BMI) by age 30.

“This study highlights the potential lasting health consequences stemming from social challenges that emerge in early adolescence,” said lead author Joseph Allen, PhD, of the University of Virginia. “Accelerated aging has been linked to an increased risk for future coronary artery disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation and even early death.”

The study, published in the journal Health Psychology, followed 121 middle school students (46 male and 75 female) from suburban and urban communities in the Southeastern United States. Researchers tracked participants from age 13 into adulthood, collecting self-reports of aggression, parent reports of family conflict, and peer reports of relationship behavior. When participants reached age 30, researchers assessed biological aging using blood-based biomarkers.

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