Overview

• Researchers analyzed data from nearly 500,000 participants in the UK Biobank to assess the impact of lifestyle, environment, and genetics on premature mortality.
• Environmental factors, such as smoking, socioeconomic status, and physical activity, accounted for 17% of the variation in early death risk, compared to less than 2% for genetic predisposition.
• Early-life exposures, including maternal smoking and childhood body weight, were linked to accelerated aging and long-term health outcomes decades later.
• The study identified 25 key environmental risk factors, 23 of which are modifiable, highlighting significant opportunities for prevention through policy and behavioral changes.
• Genetics played a greater role in certain diseases, such as dementia and some cancers, but environmental factors were more influential for lung, heart, and liver diseases.