ScienceAlert: Healthy Lifestyle May Reduce Genetic Risk of Early Death by 62%

A groundbreaking new study has shed light on the complex interplay between genetics and lifestyle choices when it comes to determining our lifespan. The research, which involved over 350,000 participants from the UK, found that healthy lifestyle habits could potentially offset the genetic risk of dying young by a significant margin.

Published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, the study is the first of its kind to simultaneously investigate the joint association of genetic risk and lifestyle factors with human lifespan. Previous studies have typically focused on one or the other, but this research delved into both aspects to provide a more comprehensive understanding of longevity.

The participants, who were of European descent, were recruited to the UK Biobank study between 2006 and 2010 and followed for nearly 13 years. They were asked about various lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol intake, body shape, and sleep duration, and were grouped based on their responses. Additionally, the participants were categorized into different groups based on their genetic risk factors affecting lifespan.

The findings revealed that genetics alone could increase the risk of early death by 21 percent. On the other hand, an unhealthy lifestyle characterized by poor sleep, lack of exercise, processed food consumption, smoking, and excessive alcohol intake was associated with a 78 percent higher risk of premature death, regardless of genetic predisposition.

However, the most striking discovery was that adopting a healthier lifestyle – including not smoking, regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep – could offset the genetic risk of a shorter life by a remarkable 62 percent. This highlights the significant impact that lifestyle choices can have on our overall health and longevity.

While the results are promising, it’s important to note that this was an observational study, so no definitive conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect. Additionally, the majority of participants were of white-European ancestry, so the findings may not be generalizable to other populations.

One key takeaway from the study is the importance of making positive lifestyle changes early on. The analysis showed that individuals with a high genetic risk of a shorter life could potentially add around 5 years to their life expectancy at age 40 by implementing healthy habits. This underscores the significance of public health interventions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles, particularly for those at higher genetic risk.

Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between genetics and lifestyle choices in determining our lifespan. By making informed decisions about our health and well-being, we may be able to overcome genetic predispositions and lead longer, healthier lives.