Do we develop chronic disease because of how we eat and live, that is because of our lifestyles, or is it genetics that decides which diseases we will be afflicted with? Is it down to nature, or is it the way we treat our bodies that lead to disease?

Lifestyle certainly plays a role. For example, if you are grossly overweight, your body will not be able to keep up with the daily demands of life and you could be at risk of developing high blood pressure or diabetes. And smoking will certainly put you at risk of lung disease.>/p>

Genomic studies

But the role of genetics cannot be denied. The relatively new field of genomic studies – studying the genetics of families – has proven that the origin of populations can be a very important factor in the spread of disease. For example:

  • One in four Jewish people of Eastern European descent are carriers of one of several genetic conditions, among them cystic fibrosis.
  • Sickle cell anaemia is most prevalent among African Americans, the belief being that they inherited the disease from their African forefathers.
  • Of all the ethnic groups, Hispanic people seem to be most prone to Parkinson’s disease.
  • People of African descent are more at risk of diabetes and prostate cancer.
  • Asian and Caucasian women are more at risk of osteoporosis.

The puzzle

In many cases, however, things are not so clear. Japanese people, for example, are at low risk of breast and colon cancer, but in Japanese who emigrate to the United States of America the risks increase to eventually equal that of the general population.

Also, the Japanese are known to have very high rates of stomach cancer, but among the Japanese who move to the United States this risk decreases significantly.

The debate takes a new turn

Is it nature or is it nurture? Geneticist Georgia Dunston, director of the National Human Genome Centre at Howard University in the USA, explains that she never tries to separate the two.

Instead, she says: “We are seeing the interaction between genetic variation and the environment. Environment and genetics both impact why certain people are more prone to some diseases rather than others.”

Also keep in mind that you don’t inherit the disease, but merely the gene that makes you more prone to develop it.

Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EAP) is available 24 hours a day if you want to know more about the link between genetics, lifestyle and disease.