Lifestyle and Environment Have Greater Impact on Health Than Genetics

A GROUNDBREAKING study has revealed that environmental and lifestyle factors have a significantly greater influence on health and premature death than genetics. The research, analysed data from nearly half a million UK Biobank participants to assess the impact of 164 environmental factors and genetic risk scores for 22 major diseases.

The study found that environmental factors accounted for 17% of the variation in mortality risk, compared to less than 2% explained by genetic predisposition. Key environmental influences included smoking, socioeconomic status, physical activity, and living conditions. Smoking alone was linked to 21 diseases, while socioeconomic factors such as income, home ownership, and employment status were associated with 19 diseases.

Crucially, 23 of the 25 identified environmental factors are modifiable, offering significant opportunities for disease prevention and health improvement. Early life exposures, including childhood body weight and maternal smoking, were also shown to have long-term effects on ageing and premature death decades later.

The study utilised a novel “ageing clock,” which tracks biological ageing through blood protein levels. This allowed researchers to connect environmental exposures with early mortality and biological ageing. The findings indicate that while genetics plays a key role in certain conditions like dementia and breast cancer, environmental factors have a stronger influence on diseases affecting the lungs, heart, and liver.

The study authors emphasised the importance of addressing environmental factors to improve public health. “Our exposome approach provides the most comprehensive overview to date of the environmental and lifestyle factors driving ageing and premature death,” he said.

Experts in the field have called for urgent government action to reduce health inequalities. “Your income, postcode, and background shouldn’t determine your chances of living a long and healthy life,” they reported. “This study reinforces the need to tackle barriers to good health.”

The findings highlight the potential of public health policies focused on smoking cessation, improving living conditions, and promoting physical activity to significantly reduce premature deaths and age-related diseases globally.

Reference

Argentieri MA et al. Integrating the environmental and genetic architectures of aging and mortality. Nat Med. 2025;DOI:10.1038/s41591-024-03483-9.