Sex-specific associations between body composition, lifestyle habits, and skin autofluorescence-detected advanced glycation end-products in a sample of Japanese young adults

Problem considered Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are implicated in aging and chronic disease pathogenesis. However, sex-specific associations between AGE accumulation, body composition, and lifestyle factors in healthy adolescents and young adults remain insufficiently explored. Methods This cross-sectional study included 153 healthy Japanese individuals aged 10–29 years (58 males, 95 females), recruited from nutrition-related events at universities and high schools in Mie Prefecture. AGE accumulation was measured via skin autofluorescence (SAF). Body composition (BMI, fat mass, muscle mass) was assessed using the InBody 470 bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Lifestyle factors (dietary balance, exercise, sleep) and subjective health perception were evaluated via structured questionnaires. Correlation, chi-square, and multivariate regression analyses were conducted. Bonferroni correction was applied for multiple comparisons in univariate analyses. Results Among males, SAF was negatively correlated with muscle mass (r = −0.268, p = 0.042), but the association was not statistically significant after Bonferroni correction. In females, a significant association between imbalanced dietary intake and higher AGE accumulation remained significant after Bonferroni correction (p = 0.005) and was further supported by multivariate regression (β = 0.037, p = 0.042). Logistic regression confirmed imbalanced dietary intake increased the odds of high AGE accumulation (OR = 2.43, 95 % CI: 1.02–5.47, p = 0.045). Conclusion While causality cannot be inferred from this cross-sectional study, results underscore the relevance of lifestyle behaviors in AGE accumulation among Japanese youth. Findings may inform sex-sensitive dietary education and health promotion strategies to support healthy aging from early life stages.