Lifestyle & Environment Dominate Longevity: UK Biobank Study Shows Genetics Play Minor Role

A recent study in *Nature Medicine*, utilizing data from approximately 500,000 UK Biobank participants, reveals that lifestyle and environmental factors significantly outweigh genetics in determining longevity. The research indicates that environmental factors account for about 17% of lifespan variation, while genetics contribute less than 2%. Key environmental factors include lifestyle choices like smoking and physical activity, socioeconomic status, and early-life conditions. Researchers used proteomic profiling to assess biological age at a molecular level. Smoking, socioeconomic status, physical activity, and living conditions were identified as the most influential environmental factors affecting premature death and biological aging. Interestingly, the study found a weaker association between diet and aging markers, possibly due to data limitations or the complexity of the relationship. The findings emphasize the importance of modifiable lifestyle factors in promoting health and longevity, suggesting individuals have considerable control over their lifespan, regardless of genetic predispositions. Early life exposures, such as body weight at age 10 and maternal smoking, can also have long-lasting effects on health and mortality.