To what extent do our genes determine how long we live?

Anyone interested in healthy aging is familiar with the standard recommendations: a balanced diet, exercise, and stress reduction. But just how much do our genes really influence our lifespan?

A recent scientific study offers surprising insights—and places greater emphasis on the role of genetics than previously thought.

Genes have more influence than previously thought

Until now, researchers have assumed that genes account for only about 20–30% of the differences in life expectancy. The majority of these differences were attributed to lifestyle, the environment, and social context.

However, a new analysis by international researchers*, published in the journal *Science*, reaches a different conclusion:
Up to about 50% of the variation in life expectancy could be genetically determined. (PubMed)

In other words, our genetic makeup has a much greater influence on how we age—and on how well our bodies function throughout our lives.

What was done differently than before?

The key difference from previous research lies in the methodology. The researchers used extensive twin data from several countries and focused solely on causes of death related to the biological aging process. External causes of death, such as accidents or infections, which can “mask” the influence of genes, were mathematically accounted for. (PubMed)

This new perspective makes it possible to more accurately estimate the genetic contribution to intrinsic aging —that is, the portion of life expectancy that is actually determined by biological processes.

What does this mean for healthy aging?

These findings are important, but they do not lead to a deterministic conclusion:

Genes do not determine our fate.
Even though they set an important framework, a large part of our lifespan can still be influenced by lifestyle, the environment, and medical care.

In concrete terms, this means:

  • Genes influence how resiliently our cells cope with aging processes or respond to stress.
  • Lifestyle and the environment have a significant impact on how this genetic potential is realized.
  • Even people with a genetic predisposition can live significantly longer and healthier lives by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Valuable insights for research and practice

A better understanding of genetic influences opens up opportunities for:

  • more targeted prevention
  • personalized health strategies
  • New scientific approaches in aging and longevity research

In the long term, this knowledge could not only help extend life expectancy but, above all, increase the number of healthy years of life.

Conclusion: Genes as the foundation, lifestyle as the key

Current research clearly shows:
Healthy aging results from the interplay of genetics, lifestyle, and the environment.

Genes set the framework—but how we shape that framework is, to a large extent, in our own hands. Conscious decisions, holistic health strategies, and an active lifestyle therefore remain key to vitality and quality of life well into old age.

Sources

  1. Publication on the genetic heritability of life expectancy (Science, twin study analysis): The heritability of intrinsic human lifespan is approximately 50% when confounding factors are accounted for. (PubMed)
  2. Summary of the study and its findings by the Weizmann Institute and related reports. (Weizmann Canada)
  3. Supplementary national coverage of the study: Genes influence our lifespan more than previously thought. (Israelnetz)

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FAQs

The term “weight-loss injection” refers to various
prescription medications that are used under certain
medical conditions to treat overweight and obesity
. Well-known active ingredients include semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Among other things, they influence hunger and feelings of fullness and can thereby
reduce energy intake.

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1 and is a naturally occurring hormone in the body
. Among other things, it plays a role in regulating
appetite, satiety, and glucose metabolism. GLP-1-based medications mimic
the effects of this hormone and specifically activate the GLP-1 receptor.

The term “GLP-1 dietary supplement” is not medically defined at
. It generally refers to products marketed as “GLP-1 Support”
or “GLP-1 Booster,” which may contain, for example, dietary fiber,
protein, prebiotics, or plant compounds such as berberine.

What matters most here is the specific ingredient and its scientifically studied effects (
)—not just the name of the product (
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Dietary supplements and GLP-1 medications
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specifically target certain hormonal signaling pathways. Certain nutrients
and plant compounds, on the other hand, can support other physiological processes,
such as satiety, digestion, or metabolism.

They should therefore not be equated with the pharmacological effects
of GLP-1 medications.

Of particular interest are ingredients associated with satiety,
digestion, or the gut microbiota. These include , for example ,
soluble and fermentable dietary fibers, prebiotics, and
certain plant compounds.

Among other things, dietary fiber can influence digestion
and, through fermentation in the gut, contribute to the formation of short-chain
fatty acids. These, in turn, can influence signaling pathways associated with
the release of gut hormones such as GLP-1.

However, the effect depends heavily on the specific ingredient,
the dosage, and the individual's situation.

Dietary fiber can contribute to a balanced diet
and, among other things, promote satiety and aid digestion.
Soluble and fermentable dietary fibers are particularly noteworthy in this context
.

Good natural sources include vegetables,
legumes, whole grains, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Certain
dietary fibers, such as psyllium or inulin, are also used as dietary supplements.

Protein provides important amino acids for the maintenance and
growth of muscle tissue. An adequate protein intake is therefore particularly important
during significant weight loss.

When combined with regular strength training,
a high-protein diet can help preserve lean body mass as much as possible during
weight loss.

In general, there is no comprehensive list of
foods that are strictly prohibited during GLP-1 therapy.
However, appetite, feelings of fullness, and, in some cases,
tolerance to certain foods may change.

When people eat less overall, the nutritional quality of their diet
 becomes more important. Protein-rich foods, vegetables, fruits,
whole grains, legumes, and other nutrient-dense foods can
serve as an important foundation.

Studies show that weight regain can occur after discontinuing GLP-1-based
medications. In the extension
of the STEP-1 study, participants regained, on average, a significant portion of the weight they had previously
lost within one year of
discontinuing semaglutide.

This underscores the importance of long-term, sustainable
dietary and physical activity habits, even during medication-based
therapy.

GLP-1 therapy does not require a specific diet
. However, since feelings of hunger and fullness change and
people sometimes eat less, it may be helpful to focus
particularly on nutrient density, protein, fiber, and a
varied selection of foods.

Regular exercise, especially strength training, can also be a useful addition to
.

No. GLP-1 dietary supplements and
GLP-1 medications must always be distinguished from one another.

Drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepatide were specifically developed
to activate certain hormonal signaling pathways and have been studied as medications in
clinical trials. Dietary supplements
, on the other hand, contain nutrients or other bioactive substances that can support natural
physiological processes.

The term “GLP-1” on a dietary supplement
therefore does not mean that the product has the same effect as a GLP-1 medication
.