Study suggests that a healthy lifestyle can reduce genetic risk for early death by 62%

A new study published in the journal BMJ Evidence Based Medicine has revealed that even if your genetics put you at a greater risk for early death, a healthy lifestyle could help combat it significantly. Lead author Dr. Xifeng Wu, dean of the School of Public Health at Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China, stated that the risk could be mitigated by about 62% in people with a genetic predisposition.

The study, which included data from more than 350,000 people with European ancestry, looked at how genetics and lifestyle choices interact to impact lifespan. Each individual was given a polygenetic risk score based on genes that impact human lifespan, as well as a score based on their adherence to healthy lifestyle practices. The participants were then followed for an average of 13 years to determine their lifespan.

The results showed that everyone, regardless of their genetic risks, was 78% more likely to die early if they had an unhealthy lifestyle. Additionally, individuals with both a genetic risk for a short lifespan and an unhealthy lifestyle were twice as likely to die early compared to those without genetic risk and healthier lifestyles. However, individuals with genetic risk could extend their lifespan by up to 5.5 years by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Wu emphasized the importance of adhering to a healthy lifestyle, stating that it could substantially attenuate the lifespan reduction for individuals with genetic susceptibility to a shorter lifespan. The study identified four key factors that had the biggest impact on the risk of early death: no current smoking, regular physical activity, adequate sleep duration, and a healthy diet.

Adequate sleep was defined as seven to eight hours a night, while the current Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity and two days of strength training per week. Moderate drinking was also highlighted as a factor that could impact lifespan.

Building a healthier lifestyle may seem like a daunting task, but there are manageable steps that individuals can take to improve their well-being. Resources such as phone helplines, apps, and support groups can help individuals quit smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, and adopt a healthier diet. Additionally, incorporating regular physical activity and prioritizing adequate sleep can also contribute to a longer and healthier life.

For more information and tools designed to improve well-being, individuals can sign up for CNN’s Life, But Better newsletter. By making small changes to their lifestyle, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of early death and improve their overall health and well-being.