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Study Reveals Lifestyle, Environment Key to Longevity

3/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A groundbreaking study in Nature Medicine uncovers that our lifestyle and environment play a crucial role in determining how long we live, overshadowing genetics. With data from over 490,000 UK Biobank participants, researchers discovered that smoking, socioeconomic status, and physical activity significantly impact mortality risk, with environmental factors accounting for 17% compared to a mere 2% from genetics.

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Story summary

A groundbreaking study in Nature Medicine uncovers that our lifestyle and environment play a crucial role in determining how long we live, overshadowing genetics. With data from over 490,000 UK Biobank participants, researchers discovered that smoking, socioeconomic status, and physical activity significantly impact mortality risk, with environmental factors accounting for 17% compared to a mere 2% from genetics.