The question of what determines health more strongly — heredity or everyday routine — remains one of the most debated in medicine. According to geneticist Mykytenko, cited by RBC-Ukraine, genetic factors account for only 20–25% of a person's condition, provided we are not talking about strictly hereditary diseases. "You can't blame all your problems on genetics. It affects health by only 20–25%, unless we are specifically talking about genetic diseases," the expert notes. Thus, the main share of responsibility for well-being lies not in the "cards" you are dealt, but in the decisions a person makes every day.
How the Influence on Health Is Distributed
The expert provides a specific breakdown: about 10% of the influence on the body's condition comes from the healthcare system, 15–20% from living conditions, and a full 50% from lifestyle — what a person eats, how much water they drink, and how they sleep. "Therefore, we are able to change far more than we think," the geneticist emphasizes. This model means that even with unfavorable heredity, correcting everyday habits can significantly shift indicators in a positive direction, while with good heredity, ignoring them gradually "eats away" the genetic reserve of resilience.
The Same Risk — Different Scenarios
The geneticist illustrates the point with the example of atherosclerosis: with the same genetic risk of developing the disease, people behave differently. Some consciously provoke their bodies by choosing fatty meat, while others bet on diet fish. In his words, adjusting everyday habits allows you to effectively influence specific body indicators — weight, endocrine disorders, fertility. In other words, heredity sets only a predisposition, and whether it is realized largely depends on a person's behavior.
Subfertility: When IVF Is Not the Only Path
Separately, the expert addresses the topic of reproductive health. "Many couples undergoing IVF treatment do not have infertility as such — they have a state of subfertility. That is, the ability to achieve pregnancy is reduced," Mykytenko explains. In his words, reproductive specialists first assess the factors of subfertility to help the couple conservatively, rather than immediately referring them to in vitro fertilization. This is yet another case where changing lifestyle and eliminating provoking factors can be the first and more gentle step.
Oncology and Sports Genetics
At the same time, the geneticist honestly notes the limits of influence: oncology is practically impossible to prevent, however, knowledge of personal risks significantly facilitates early detection and medical follow-up. He separately discusses sports genetics — tests that help determine a predisposition to certain types of physical loads and the structure of muscle fibers, aerobic or sprinter type. "But such tests are worth doing if you are professionally going to engage in sports, not just going to the gym to maintain your health," the expert emphasizes.
The Trap of Commercial DNA Diet Tests
A special warning from the geneticist is directed at commercial DNA diet tests. "Don't be taken in by meaningless tests — a diet based on DNA, which tell you how much and what to eat. This is speculation. Such tests are not certified. Laboratories do not have medical licenses and bear no responsibility. It is better to follow the rules of a healthy plate," he says. Thus, instead of expensive and unlicensed "genetic diets," the expert recommends relying on proven principles of rational nutrition. The material is for general educational purposes and is not a medical consultation: in case of health problems, it is necessary to consult a qualified doctor.
