Lifestyle Factors Trump Genetics in Premature Death

A comprehensive study by researchers at Oxford Population Health, using data from nearly half a million UK Biobank participants, reveals that environmental and lifestyle factors significantly outweigh genetic factors in influencing health and premature death. The study, published in Nature Medicine, found that environmental factors such as smoking, socioeconomic status, physical activity, and living conditions account for 17% of the variation in risk of death, compared to less than 2% explained by genetic predisposition. Smoking was linked to 21 diseases, while socioeconomic factors impacted 19 diseases. The study highlights that 23 of the identified environmental factors are modifiable, suggesting potential policy interventions to improve public health. Early life exposures also play a crucial role, affecting aging and risk of premature death decades later. The research suggests opportunities to mitigate risks for chronic diseases of the lung, heart, and liver, despite genetics playing a significant role in dementias and certain cancers.