Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle Can Offset the Effects of Genes that Shorten Life

A groundbreaking study published in the journal BMJ Evidence Based Medicine has revealed that genetics may not be as deterministic as previously thought when it comes to determining a person’s lifespan. The study, conducted by researchers at the Center of Clinical Big Data and Analytics of The Second Affiliated Hospital at Zhejiang University School of Medicine in Hangzhou, China, found that a healthy lifestyle can offset the effects of life-shortening genes by more than 60%.

The research team, led by Dr. Xue Li, analyzed data from nearly 354,000 participants in the UK Biobank genetics and health study, with more than 24,000 individuals passing away over an average follow-up period of nearly 13 years. Each person was scored based on their genetic health risks and the healthiness of their lifestyle, with factors such as smoking, drinking, physical activity, body shape, sleep, and diet taken into account.

The results were striking. People at high genetic risk of a shortened lifespan could extend their life expectancy by nearly 5.5 years if they adopted a healthy lifestyle by age 40. On the other hand, those with an unhealthy lifestyle were associated with a 78% increased risk of an early death, regardless of their genetic predisposition.

The study underscores the crucial role of a healthy lifestyle in mitigating the impact of genetic factors on lifespan reduction. “Public health policies for improving healthy lifestyles would serve as potent complements to conventional healthcare and mitigate the influence of genetic factors on human lifespan,” the researchers concluded.

In particular, four factors were highlighted as key contributors to healthy living that made a significant difference in longevity: not smoking, regular exercise, good sleep, and a healthy diet. Those who combined poor genetics with an unhealthy lifestyle were found to be twice as likely to die early compared to individuals with good genes who were living healthily.

The findings of this study have significant implications for public health policies and individual choices. It suggests that regardless of genetic predisposition, adopting a healthy lifestyle can have a profound impact on one’s lifespan. By making simple changes such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and eating a balanced diet, individuals can potentially add years to their lives.

The study serves as a reminder that genetics are not the sole determinant of health outcomes, and that lifestyle factors play a crucial role in shaping our overall well-being. As the researchers aptly put it, “The pivotal role of a healthy lifestyle in mitigating the impact of genetic factors on lifespan reduction” cannot be overstated. It is a powerful reminder that we have the agency to take control of our health and well-being, regardless of our genetic makeup.