Fact-check analysisVerified as of August 4, 2025Curated by FactVerify
Mostly True

Research suggests immunity is mostly determined by lifestyle and environmental factors, not genes

Research indicates that while genetics do influence immunity, lifestyle and environmental factors play a larger and more dynamic role in shaping immune responses.

Environmental factors, lifestyle choices have greater impact on health than genes, study finds - ABC News

Environmental factors, lifestyle choices have greater impact on health than genes, study finds - ABC News

Source: abcnews.go.com

At a glance

Key Evidence

Verified August 4, 2025
The reporting

What the Evidence Shows

Scientific studies consistently show that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the human immune system's function. However, recent research emphasizes that environmental exposures, lifestyle choices, and living conditions often have a greater impact on immune variation than genetics alone. For example, studies analyzing twins and large cohorts reveal that innate and adaptive immune traits are differentially influenced, with environmental factors frequently exerting stronger effects.

Additionally, early life exposures and ongoing environmental interactions modulate immune memory and responsiveness. Although genes provide the foundational blueprint for immune function, the environment and lifestyle can significantly alter immune outcomes, sometimes overriding genetic predispositions.

Therefore, the claim that immunity is mostly determined by lifestyle and environmental factors rather than genes aligns well with current scientific understanding, though it is important to acknowledge the complex interplay between both influences.

Primary trail

Verified Sources7

Environmental factors, lifestyle choices have greater impact on health than...

abcnews.go.com
Open source

The Influence of Genetic and Environmental Factors and Their Interactions on...

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Open source

Innate and adaptive immune traits are differentially affected by genetic and...

nature.com
Open source
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