Why Lifestyle and Fitness Matter More Than Genetics for a Healthier You

Have you ever been told that your great health is due to “good genes”? It turns out, that mindset might be an excuse to avoid exercising. A recent study from Oxford University sheds light on this topic, revealing that environmental factors have a much greater impact on our health than genetics.

The study analyzed data from nearly half a million participants in the UK Biobank. Researchers examined 164 environmental factors alongside genetic risk scores for 22 major diseases. The results were eye-opening: environmental factors contributed to 17% of the risk of death, while genetic predisposition accounted for less than 2%.

Key influences on health included smoking, socioeconomic status, physical activity, and living conditions. Smoking alone was linked to 21 different diseases. Other factors like household income and job stability also played significant roles, connecting to 19 diseases. Meanwhile, regular physical activity was associated with 17 different health issues.

Professor Cornelia van Duijn, the study’s lead author, emphasized that while our genes do affect certain conditions, such as some cancers and brain disorders, lifestyle choices significantly dictate our risk for chronic diseases affecting the heart, lungs, and liver. “Our findings provide hope,” she said. “By focusing on changing our environments and behaviors, we can potentially prevent many age-related diseases.”

The study also introduced a new way to measure aging. By looking at blood protein levels, researchers could see how various environmental factors contribute to aging and premature death. This new “aging clock” offers insights into how our daily choices shape our biological age.

Dr. Austin Argentieri, another author of the study, noted that the cumulative impact of multiple environmental factors significantly increases the risk of early death. For example, the combination of poor diet, lack of exercise, and socioeconomic challenges compounds health risks. These findings highlight the critical need to address our environments and lifestyle choices to improve health outcomes.

Interestingly, a survey from 2022 found that more than 75% of people believe they can take charge of their health through lifestyle changes. This growing awareness aligns well with the Oxford study’s conclusions, stressing how much control we actually have over our health journeys.

As we consider ways to live healthier lives, remember that while genetics do play a role, the factors we can change—like our environment and daily habits—have an even more significant impact on our longevity and wellbeing. You can read more about this groundbreaking research in the study published in Nature Medicine.

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