There’s a way to counter your genes.
Medical experts argue that a person’s health outcomes aren’t solely determined by genetics, and recent research provides evidence to support this claim. According to a study, adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly offset the impact of genetic factors associated with a shorter lifespan. Researchers found that individuals with a high genetic risk for a shorter life could extend their life expectancy by nearly 5.5 years if they adopt a healthy lifestyle by the age of 40.
Conversely, an unhealthy lifestyle is strongly linked to an increased risk of premature death, regardless of genetic predisposition. The study underscores the importance of healthy living in mitigating the effects of genetic factors on lifespan reduction. Dr. Xue Li and his team from the Center of Clinical Big Data and Analytics at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China emphasize the critical role of public health policies aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles as essential complements to conventional healthcare.
The study analyzed data from over 354,000 participants in the UK Biobank genetics and health study, tracking outcomes over an average follow-up period of almost 13 years. Participants were evaluated based on their genetic health risks and adherence to a healthy lifestyle, including factors such as smoking habits, alcohol consumption, physical activity levels, body weight, sleep patterns, and dietary choices.
Findings revealed that individuals with a genetic predisposition to a shorter lifespan were more likely to die prematurely compared to those with a genetic predisposition for a longer life, regardless of lifestyle choices. However, those with unhealthy lifestyles faced a significantly higher risk of early death, irrespective of their genetic makeup. Notably, individuals combining unfavorable genetics with an unhealthy lifestyle were found to be twice as likely to die prematurely as those with favorable genetics who maintained healthy habits.
Key factors contributing to healthy living and longevity include avoiding smoking, engaging in regular exercise, ensuring adequate sleep, and following a balanced diet. These findings underscore the importance of lifestyle choices in promoting overall health and longevity, highlighting the need for individuals to prioritize healthy behaviors and for policymakers to implement initiatives that support and encourage healthy lifestyles in the population.
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