A major new study from Zhejiang University and the University of Edinburgh, published in the BMJ Evidence Based Medicine journal, finds that healthy living can substantially extend life span, even for those genetically predisposed to early death.
A comprehensive study involving over 350,000 participants from the UK Biobank has determined that living a healthy lifestyle can add approximately five years to one’s life expectancy, regardless of genetic predispositions to early death. Conducted by researchers from Zhejiang University School of Medicine and the University of Edinburgh, the findings were published in the BMJ Evidence Based Medicine journal. The study tracked participants for an average duration of 13 years, during which more than 24,000 deaths occurred.
The research identified that individuals with a high genetic risk of premature mortality could reduce this risk by adopting healthier behaviors, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and abstaining from smoking. Even with a genetic predisposition, the study demonstrated that an “optimal lifestyle combination” could potentially extend life expectancy significantly. Furthermore, those with unhealthy lifestyles faced a 78% increased risk of premature death, a statistic that held true irrespective of genetic factors.
Matt Lambert from the World Cancer Research Fund highlighted the importance of healthy living not only for increasing longevity but also for reducing cancer risk. The study underscores the substantial influence of lifestyle choices on life duration, suggesting that individuals can exert considerable control over their health outcomes by adopting and maintaining healthy habits.
