How important are genetics in physique?

Genetics play a significant role in determining various health outcomes, including conditions like type two diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. However, genetics typically account for about 20% of disease determinants, with lifestyle factors playing a larger role. For instance, individuals of South Asian origin have a genetic predisposition to develop certain metabolic diseases at lower levels of body fat compared to other populations. This requires such individuals to engage in more exercise to achieve the same cardiometabolic benefits as those from other ethnic backgrounds. Therefore, while genetics are important, lifestyle adjustments are crucial in managing and preventing diseases 1 .