Study shows mental health challenges are increasing among the working population
Smoking, one of the most damaging lifestyle factors, was linked to 21 different diseases.
The factors that had the greatest effect on mortality and biological aging were smoking, socioeconomic status, physical activity, and living conditions.
The study discovered that environmental factors accounted for 17% of the variation in premature death risk, while genetic predisposition was less than 2%.
A recent Oxford Population Health study showed that environmental factors influence your health and lifespan more than genetics. In other words, the lifestyle choices you make and your living conditions, significantly impact risk related to aging and disease.
Researchers analyzed data from close to half a million UK Biobank participants. They assessed the influence of 164 environmental factors and genetic risk scores across 22 major diseases.
Household income, homeownership, and employment status were associated with 19 diseases. This showed how financial stability can affect long-term health outcomes.
The researchers used an "aging clock" that was based on blood protein levels to track biological aging, as well as to link environmental exposures to earlier mortality.
Regular exercise was linked to a lower risk of 17 diseases.
Accordingly, 23 of the 25 key environmental factors identified can be changed and provide individuals and policymakers with opportunities to improve public health.
By examining various environmental factors, researchers were able to give a comprehensive overview of how lifestyle and environment shape health-related outcomes.
Environmental exposure had a more impactful effect on lung, heart, and liver diseases. On the other hand, genetic predisposition played a dominant role in conditions like dementia and breast cancer.
Many factors like childhood body weight and maternal smoking around birth can influence aging and disease risk decades later.
The study shows that you should address multiple environmental risk factors, as it could provide a more effective strategy to help reduce chronic disease and improve the longevity of your life.
While traditional studies focus on single risk factors, this research used a hypothesis-free method so it could identify the most significant contributors to aging and disease.
Experts are emphasizing a need for governmental policies to improve socioeconomic conditions, reduce smoking rates, and encourage physical activity to hopefully help enhance public health.
Systemic change is desperately needed so that factors like income and postcode do not determine lifespan.
Through a combination of computational methods, smart technology, and epidemiological data, researchers hope to explore the long-term impact of environmental exposures.
Individual environmental exposures may have minor effects, but their combined influence can significantly contribute to health risks and premature death.
Prevention is key when it comes to aging and disease. Small lifestyle changes can have a huge impact on long-term health and longevity.
One of the most influential and impactful ways to lower the risk for disease and improve your overall health is to quit smoking.
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week to reduce disease risk.
Questions remain about the effects of modern exposures, including new pathogens like COVID-19 and bird flu as well as chemicals such as pesticides and plastics on long-term health.
If you are constantly stressed and anxious it can accelerate aging and potentially increase disease risk. Be sure to practice mindfulness and relaxation.
Be sure to eat well and avoid fatty, oily, and salty foods. Prioritize fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Excessive drinking can lead to liver disease, heart disease, and more. Moderation is key or refraining from consuming alcohol in general.
Obesity is linked to many chronic diseases. Focus on working out and eating healthy.
Sources: (Science Daily) (Harvard Health) (UCSF Health)
Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night to support immune function and brain health.
Social engagement can help improve mental health and help keep you sharp.
Ensure you're regularly meeting with your doctor or medical professional so you can detect problems early on.
Our health is shaped more by our environment than by our genes, according to a new study by Oxford Population Health. Whether it’s lifestyle choices, socioeconomic conditions, or external factors, they all play a critical role in aging and disease risk. By analyzing data from nearly half a million people, researchers found that modifiable environmental influences, such as smoking, physical activity, and income levels, have a far greater impact on longevity than genetic predisposition. These findings show the urgent need for both personal and policy-driven interventions to improve public health and reduce preventable diseases.
Curious about the study and how it can impact your life? Click through now.
How lifestyle and environment shape health and aging more than genetics
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HEALTH Wellness
Our health is shaped more by our environment than by our genes, according to a new study by Oxford Population Health. Whether it’s lifestyle choices, socioeconomic conditions, or external factors, they all play a critical role in aging and disease risk. By analyzing data from nearly half a million people, researchers found that modifiable environmental influences, such as smoking, physical activity, and income levels, have a far greater impact on longevity than genetic predisposition. These findings show the urgent need for both personal and policy-driven interventions to improve public health and reduce preventable diseases.
Curious about the study and how it can impact your life? Click through now.