A groundbreaking study has revealed that leading a healthy lifestyle can actually slow down the genetic body clock and add an extra five years to one’s life. This first-of-its-kind research has shed light on the powerful impact of regular exercise, a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, and avoiding smoking on overall longevity.
Numerous studies have previously highlighted the benefits of living well, but this latest research provides concrete evidence that individuals genetically predisposed to a shorter life can significantly improve their odds of survival by adopting healthy habits. The study offers hope to those who may have thought their genetics were working against them.
The findings of the study are truly eye-opening. Individuals with unhealthy lifestyles were found to have a staggering 78 percent increased chance of early death, regardless of their genetic risk. Moreover, those with both an unhealthy lifestyle and genes predisposing them to a shorter lifespan more than doubled their risk of premature death compared to those with healthier habits and luckier genes.
However, the researchers also discovered that individuals do have some control over their fate. The study revealed that a favorable lifestyle could offset the genetic risk of a shorter lifespan by approximately 62 percent. This means that individuals with high genetic risk could potentially prolong their life expectancy by around 5.22 years by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
The optimal combination for a longer life was identified as never smoking, engaging in regular physical activity, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a healthy diet. These lifestyle factors were found to have a significant impact on overall longevity.
Published in the journal BMJ Evidence Based Medicine, the study followed participants for an average of 13 years, during which time 24,239 deaths occurred. Participants were categorized into three genetically determined lifespan groups (long, intermediate, short) and three lifestyle score categories (favorable, intermediate, unfavorable).
The researchers used polygenic risk scores to assess multiple genetic variants and determine an individual’s overall genetic predisposition to a longer or shorter life. Additionally, other scores examined factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise habits, body shape, diet, and sleep patterns.
The study’s findings align with public health recommendations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced diet, healthy weight, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and moderating alcohol intake. These lifestyle factors have been identified as key components of “living well” by the NHS.
The research was conducted by a team of experts from Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China and the University of Edinburgh. Their work has provided valuable insights into the complex interplay between genetics and lifestyle choices, highlighting the profound impact that healthy habits can have on overall longevity.
In conclusion, this groundbreaking study serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. By making simple changes to our daily habits, we can potentially add years to our lives and defy the limitations of our genetic makeup. It’s never too late to start prioritizing our health and well-being for a longer, healthier life.