Key points from article :
A major new study published in Nature Medicine suggests that environmental factors have a significantly greater impact than genetics on the risk of death from various diseases. Led by Dr. Austin Argentieri and Professor Cornelia van Duijn from Oxford Population Health, the research analysed data from nearly half a million people in the UK Biobank study. The findings indicate that lifestyle and socioeconomic conditions contribute nearly 10 times more to premature mortality risk than genetic predisposition.
Using an “age clock” based on blood protein levels, researchers assessed biological ageing and its links to lifestyle and environmental factors. They found that environmental influences accounted for 17% of the variation in mortality risk, compared to less than 2% from genetic factors. Key contributors to ageing and premature death include smoking, physical activity, living conditions, and socioeconomic status—many of which are modifiable through lifestyle changes or public health policies.
While genes played a stronger role in conditions such as dementia and certain cancers, the environment had a greater impact on diseases of the lung, heart, and liver. Early-life exposures, including maternal smoking and childhood weight, were also linked to long-term health outcomes. Experts highlight that these findings present a major opportunity for disease prevention, reinforcing the need for interventions that address social inequalities, encourage healthier behaviours, and reduce harmful exposures.
