In a groundbreaking study conducted by scientists from Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China and the University of Edinburgh, the relationship between genetics, lifestyle, and longevity was explored like never before. The study, which involved 353,742 participants from the UK Biobank, followed individuals for an average of 13 years, during which 24,239 deaths occurred.
The findings of the study, published in the journal BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, revealed that individuals with a high genetic risk of a shorter life had a 21% increased risk of early death compared to those with a low genetic risk, regardless of their lifestyle choices. On the other hand, those who led unhealthy lifestyles had a staggering 78% increased chance of early death, irrespective of their genetic predisposition.
What was truly eye-opening was the fact that individuals who combined an unhealthy lifestyle with a genetic predisposition to a shorter lifespan more than doubled their risk of early death compared to those with healthier lifestyles and luckier genes. However, the researchers also highlighted a glimmer of hope – individuals seemed to have some degree of control over their fate.
The study suggested that a healthy lifestyle could potentially offset the genetic risk of a shorter lifespan by around 62%. In fact, the team of experts commented that participants with a high genetic risk could prolong approximately 5.22 years of life expectancy at age 40 by adopting a favorable lifestyle. The “optimal lifestyle combination” for a longer life was identified as “never smoking, regular physical activity, adequate sleep duration, and a healthy diet.”
Participants in the study were grouped into three genetically determined lifespan categories – long, intermediate, and short. They were also categorized based on their lifestyle scores – favorable, intermediate, and unfavorable. Researchers utilized polygenic risk scores to assess multiple genetic variants and determine an individual’s overall genetic predisposition to a longer or shorter life. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise habits, body shape, diet, and sleep patterns were taken into account.
The implications of this study are profound, suggesting that while genetics play a significant role in determining lifespan, lifestyle choices can have a substantial impact on longevity. By making positive changes to their lifestyle, individuals may be able to mitigate the effects of unfavorable genetic predispositions and potentially add years to their lives.
This research underscores the importance of adopting healthy habits and making informed choices to improve overall well-being and increase the odds of a longer, healthier life. As the study suggests, it’s never too late to start making positive changes that could ultimately lead to a longer and more fulfilling life.