A negative mindset can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. As research suggests, those who believe they have a higher likelihood of disease tend to engage in fewer positive health behaviors. Millions of people now have access to personal genetic risk estimates for various diseases and, while this information can be informative, learning of one’s genetic risk may evoke physiological changes consistent with the expected risk profile. Experiments were conducted to test whether merely learning of one’s genetic risk for obesity via cardiorespiratory exercise capacity or physiological satiety could alter one’s actual risk by making people more likely to exhibit the expected changes in gene-related physiology, behavior, and subjective experience. The results showed that receiving genetic risk information changed individuals’ cardiorespiratory physiology, perceived exertion, running endurance, satiety physiology, and perceived fullness in a self-fulfilling manner, with the effects of perceived genetic risk sometimes being greater than the effects associated with actual genetic risk. Given the potential impact of simply conveying genetic risk information on actual risk, clinicians and ethicists should carefully consider the appropriate thresholds for revealing genetic risk.
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Knowing Your Genetic Risk Changes Mindset
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The ideas expressed here are solely the opinions of the author and are not researched or verified by AGEIST LLC, or anyone associated with AGEIST LLC. This material should not be construed as medical advice or recommendation, it is for informational use only. We encourage all readers to discuss with your qualified practitioners the relevance of the application of any of these ideas to your life. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your physician or other qualified health provider. Please call your doctor or 911 immediately if you think you may have a medical or psychiatric emergency.