The findings were striking, suggesting our environment and lifestyle play a much greater role than our genes in determining our longevity.

Biological age versus chronological age

Proteomic profiling is a relatively new technique that looks at how proteins in the body change over time to identify a person’s age at a molecular level. By using this method, researchers were able to estimate how quickly a person’s body was actually ageing. This is called their biological age, as opposed to their chronological age (or years lived).

These analyses allowed the researchers to estimate the relative contributions of environmental factors and genetics to ageing and dying prematurely.

The ‘nature versus nurture’ debate

Interestingly, being taller at age ten was found to be associated with a shorter lifespan. Although this may seem surprising, and the reasons are not entirely clear, this aligns with previous research finding taller people are more likely to die earlier.

So despite this finding, it’s still safe to say the food we eat is one of the most important pillars of health and longevity.

What other limitations do we need to consider?

Finally, it’s possible this study may have underestimated the role of genetics in longevity. It’s important to recognise genetics and the environment don’t operate in isolation. Rather, health outcomes are shaped by their interplay, and this study may not have fully captured the complexity of these interactions.

The future is (largely) in your hands

Hassan Vally does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.