Daily habits and surroundings have a stronger impact on health than genetics. A recent study published in Nature Medicine shows that lifestyle and environmental factors influence aging and disease risk far more than inherited traits.
Researchers studied data from nearly 500,000 participants. They examined the effects of 164 environmental factors and genetic risk scores for 22 age-related diseases. The results were clear — environmental influences accounted for 17% of mortality risk, while genetics contributed less than 2%.
The Power of Lifestyle Choices
Everyday decisions play a critical role in long-term health. The study found that factors like smoking, physical activity, and socioeconomic status had the most significant impact on aging and mortality.
1. Smoking is linked to 21 diseases, making it one of the most harmful lifestyle habits.
2. Socioeconomic factors — such as income, homeownership, and employment — associated with 19 diseases.
3. Physical activity influenced 17 diseases, reinforcing the importance of regular movement.
These lifestyle factors add up over time, either promoting longevity or contributing to early aging and disease.
Early Life Experiences and Lasting Effects
Health isn’t just shaped by current habits. Early life experiences can affect well-being decades later. For example, childhood body weight and maternal smoking during pregnancy were linked to health risks 30 to 80 years down the line.
These early exposures influence biological processes that may not surface until adulthood, increasing the risk of chronic illness and premature death.
How the Environment Affects Chronic Disease
Chronic conditions like heart, lung, and liver diseases are leading causes of death worldwide. The study showed that environmental factors had a greater impact on these diseases than genetics. On the other hand, genetics played a more significant role in conditions like dementia and breast cancer.
This highlights the importance of focusing on what can be controlled. While genetics can’t be changed, lifestyle adjustments and healthier environments can prevent or delay many diseases.
Lifestyle Changes That Improve Health
One of the most promising findings is that 23 of the identified risk factors are modifiable. This means people have the power to improve their health through conscious choices.
Professor Cornelia van Duijn explained, “Our research shows how much health can improve through personal and societal changes, like quitting smoking, creating safer living environments, or promoting physical activity.”
This insight highlights how even small lifestyle adjustments can lead to big health benefits over time.
Tracking Aging With New Technology
The research introduced an innovative tool called the “aging clock.” This tool uses blood protein levels to measure biological aging. It helped researchers link specific environmental exposures to accelerated aging and increased mortality risk.
With advancements in health tech, people may soon get personalized insights into how their lifestyle choices impact long-term health.
The Road Ahead
While this study offers valuable insights, there’s still more to learn. Researchers emphasized the need for future studies on diet, chemical exposures, new pathogens, and how environmental and genetic factors interact across diverse populations.
Lead author Austin Argentieri stated, “In a rapidly changing world, combining smart technology with biological data is essential for understanding the long-term impact of lifestyle and environment.”
This research empowers people to take charge of their health. By making thoughtful choices and advocating for healthier communities, it’s possible to improve quality of life and promote longevity — no matter what’s written in the genes.