A healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of dying early, even if your genetics put you at high risk for it, according to a new study.
Lead author Dr. Shifeng Wu, dean of the School of Public Health at Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China, said the risk could be reduced by about 62% in people with a genetic predisposition.
While many studies have shown a link between a healthy lifestyle and longevity, with some emphasizing the genetic component to longevity, a report published Monday in BMJ Evidence Based Medicine finds that We investigated whether they are connected in this way.
Dr. Aladdin Shadyab, associate professor of public health medicine at the University of California, San Diego, said the study, which leverages data from more than 350,000 people and information about their genetics, education, socioeconomic status, and medical history, has a powerful He said there is a methodology. He was not involved in the study.
The sample is made up of people with European ancestry, which limits the applicability of the population, Shadyab added.
According to the study, researchers gave each individual a polygenetic risk score. This is a score that summarizes the presence of multiple genes found to influence human lifespan. Study participants also received a score based on how well they adhered to healthy lifestyle principles and were then given an average of 13 years to see if they had a short, medium, or long life expectancy. Followed up.
Data showed that regardless of genetic risk, people with unhealthy lifestyles were 78% more likely to die early.
Also, people with both a genetic risk for a short lifespan and an unhealthy lifestyle are twice as likely to die early compared to people without a genetic risk and a healthier lifestyle. said Wu, who is also director of the Ministry's National Institute of Health and Medical Data Science. University.
Data shows that people with genetic risks can extend their lives by up to 5.5 years by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
“Adhering to a healthy lifestyle could significantly reduce the shortening of lifespan in people who are genetically predisposed to a shorter lifespan,” Wu said.
Factors that brought about the change
The study was observational, and while it was possible to determine an association, it was not possible to say with certainty that behavior was the direct cause of changes in lifespan.
However, researchers were able to identify four factors that had the greatest impact on the risk of premature death.
“This study identified an optimal lifestyle combination that includes four lifestyle factors: current smoking ban, regular physical activity, adequate sleep duration, and healthy diet, which extends human lifespan. We were able to make it even more effective,” Dr. Wu said.
Adequate sleep is defined in this study as 7 to 8 hours each night. Current physical activity guidelines for Americans recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity and strength training two days per week for adults.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, moderate drinking in the United States is defined as no more than two drinks per day for adult men and no more than one drink per day for adult women.
change lifestyle
Building a healthier lifestyle may sound like a big undertaking, but you can achieve your goals by taking manageable steps.
There are phone helplines, apps and support groups that can help you quit smoking.
Taking a no-drinking day or taking on a challenge such as Dry January or Sober October can help you reevaluate your relationship with alcohol and reset your drinking habits. Journalist Rosamund Dean, author of Mindful Drinking: How drinking less can change your life, says: said in a previous CNN article.
Many studies support the Mediterranean diet, an eating style that focuses on plant-based cuisine rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds, and olive oil, to help you live a healthier, longer life. It is shown in Red meat is used sparingly.
If you can't seem to get seven or eight hours of sleep, try to establish a sleep routine, get out of bed when you can't sleep, and keep your bedroom cool, dark, and free. of electronics.
If you've tried and failed to create a habit of exercise that you can stick to, make it part of your daily routine, start slowly and choose exercises that you enjoy.
