Lifestyle and Environment Found to Outweigh Genetics in Premature Death Risk

A major study reveals that modifiable environmental factors are nearly 10 times more influential than genetic predisposition in determining early mortality and aging outcomes.

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.