Health and Fitness Health and Fitness
Wed, February 19, 2025

Lifestyle and environmental factors affect health and aging more than our genes, study finds


Published on 2025-02-19 10:03:10 - MSN
  Print publication without navigation

  • A study led by researchers from Oxford Population Health has shown that a range of environmental factors, including lifestyle (smoking and physical activity), and living conditions, have a greater impact on health and premature death than our genes.

A recent study published in the journal Nature has highlighted that lifestyle and environmental factors play a more significant role in health and aging than genetic factors. Researchers from various institutions, including the University of Edinburgh, analyzed data from over 350,000 individuals in the UK Biobank. They found that while genetics do influence health outcomes, factors such as diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, and socioeconomic status have a greater impact on how we age. The study suggests that by focusing on modifiable lifestyle choices, individuals can significantly improve their healthspan, potentially reducing the risk of diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and dementia. This underscores the importance of public health initiatives aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles to enhance longevity and quality of life.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/senior-health/lifestyle-and-environmental-factors-affect-health-and-aging-more-than-our-genes-study-finds/ar-AA1zmP7b ]
Contributing Sources