For Immediate Release: Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 2:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time
Media Contact: Evelyn Mantegani, +1 240-833-2014, [email protected]
Presented By: Jakob Woerner, PhD, University of Pennsylvania
Lifestyle questionnaires can capture what people report eating, how often they exercise, or whether they smoke. But blood proteins may offer another window into how those behaviors affect the body and influence future health.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania examined thousands of proteins in blood plasma to identify patterns connected with diet, body weight, physical activity, smoking, and overall lifestyle. Proteins can change in response to a person’s behaviors and environment, potentially offering clues about what is happening inside the body.
After nearly 16 years, researchers found that people with blood protein patterns linked to healthier habits were less likely to develop several long-term health problems, including type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and COPD, a chronic lung disease.
The protein patterns also improved disease-risk estimates beyond traditional lifestyle information. For example, an obesity-related pattern identified some people with elevated health risks even though standard measures did not classify them as having obesity.
The findings suggest that blood proteins could eventually complement information about diet, exercise, smoking, and body weight to help identify people who may benefit from earlier preventive care. More research is needed before these protein patterns could be used routinely in healthcare.
About the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)
The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) is the leading global organization advancing the science of human genetics and genomics. Representing nearly 8,000 researchers, clinicians, genetic counselors, educators, and other professionals, ASHG drives progress in understanding the human genome and its role in health and disease. The Society fosters innovation and collaboration through its flagship events and publications—including the ASHG Annual Meeting and its peer-reviewed journals The American Journal of Human Genetics and Human Genetics and Genomics Advances. ASHG also champions science advocacy, supports the next generation of genetics professionals, and promotes responsible policies and public engagement in genetics. Learn more at www.ashg.org.
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