So there’s a theory that earlier puberty is indicative of a faster metabolic rate and that in turn leads to a “shorter” lifespan because your biology is processing at a faster rate.
But just saying “oh you had sex early” = faster death doesn’t make any rational sense, other than statistical slop.
Alternatively, if it is true, it’s not necessarily because of biological processes but because having kids in your teens, especially in today’s society, leads to subpar career and economic growth.
“So there’s a theory that earlier puberty is indicative of a faster metabolic rate and that in turn leads to a “shorter” lifespan because your biology is processing at a faster rate.”
Not at all. The article clarifies that it is symptom, not a cause.
The study looked at common, underlying psychological and behavioral factors that explain, at least partially, the genetics of both early sexuality and poor health trajectories. The strongest factors explaining the correlation being physical weakness, poorer mental health, ADHD-related traits (such as impulsivity), and lung diseases associated with early smoking. Early puberty + behavioral/psychological.
Age of virginity loss is also only about 25 percent genetic. No one is claiming a loss of virginity gene or that the connection is directly caused by the sexual event itself.