A new study published in the British Medical Journal Evidence-Based Medicine has revealed that adopting a healthy lifestyle can counter the effects of life-shortening genes by more than 60 per cent. The research, conducted by a team including researchers from Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China, identified four key factors that make up the most favorable lifestyle combination: not smoking, regular physical activity, adequate nightly sleep, and a healthy diet.
The researchers analyzed data from over 350,000 adults who were recruited to the UK Biobank between 2006 and 2010, with their health tracked until 2021. Using a polygenic risk score (PRS), the participants’ genetic predisposition to longer or shorter lifespan was determined, along with an examination of their lifestyle factors such as diet and sleep habits.
The findings of the study indicated that individuals with an unhealthy lifestyle were at a 78 per cent higher risk of dying prematurely, regardless of their genetic inclinations. However, the researchers noted that a favorable lifestyle could offset the genetic risk of a shorter lifespan by approximately 62 per cent.
Starting a healthy lifestyle at the age of 40 could potentially increase life expectancy by around 5.5 years for those with a high genetic risk of a shorter lifespan. The researchers emphasized the importance of addressing the effects of life-shortening genes before middle age, as lifestyle habits tend to become more entrenched by that time.
Furthermore, the study revealed that individuals with genes favoring a shorter lifespan were 21 per cent more likely to die early compared to those with genes favoring a longer life. Additionally, the combination of life-shortening genes and an unfavorable lifestyle could double the risk of premature death compared to individuals with long-life genes and a healthy lifestyle.
The authors of the study highlighted the crucial role of a healthy lifestyle in mitigating the impact of genetic factors on lifespan reduction. They acknowledged that the study’s findings may be limited by the European ancestry of the participants and emphasized that the research was observational, meaning no causal links could be established.
In conclusion, the research underscores the significant influence of lifestyle choices on overall health and longevity, even in the presence of genetic predispositions. By adopting healthy habits such as not smoking, staying physically active, getting enough sleep, and following a nutritious diet, individuals can potentially counteract the effects of life-shortening genes and enhance their life expectancy.
As the study suggests, making positive lifestyle changes earlier in life can have a profound impact on overall health outcomes and longevity. By prioritizing a healthy lifestyle, individuals can take proactive steps to improve their well-being and reduce the risk of premature death.