In recent years, scientific research has increasingly shown that what we do with our lives influences the activity of the DNA we inherited at birth. This evolving knowledge places more responsibility on our everyday choices — from diet and exercise to stress management and environmental exposure — in shaping not only our own health but potentially that of future generations.  This raises intriguing questions like: Are children overweight like their parents because of “bad genes,” or because of habits passed down through family lifestyle patterns? And do these patterns go deeper than behavior alone?

The answer, according to modern science, is: both genetics and lifestyle matter — and lifestyle can change how genes are expressed.

Scientists now understand that genes are only part of the story. On top of the DNA sequence — the so-called “hardware” — sits a layer of chemical markers known as the epigenome, which influences whether genes are turned on or off without altering the genetic code itself. This means that our lifestyle choices can modulate gene activity in meaningful ways throughout life. 

For example:

• Diet, exercise, smoking, stress, and exposure to environmental chemicals all leave epigenetic signatures, including changes in DNA methylation and histone modifications. 
• These changes can impact metabolism, immune function, mental health, and even reproductive cell quality. 

Thus, the lifestyle we live doesn’t just influence how we feel today — it can affect the way our genes behave throughout life.

And, lifestyle before conception matters – for both parents.  Epigenetic research once focused mainly on maternal influences, but new studies show that paternal lifestyle also matters. An individual’s diet, weight, smoking habits, and stress level can influence the epigenome of sperm, which in turn affects early embryo development and may increase the risk of metabolic problems, stress-related traits, and other health outcomes in offspring.   This isn’t about “changing the DNA,” but about epigenetic marks being passed along with the DNA that affect gene activity in the next generation.

Another fascinating development is the growing evidence that environmental exposures can influence epigenetic marks across generations. In other words, some lifestyle or stress effects may be carried beyond the immediate offspring, potentially across multiple generations.  Animal studies show that sustained prenatal stress in grandparents can affect gene regulatory networks and health outcomes several generations later, suggesting compounding epigenetic influences.  While scientists are still exploring how this translates to humans, the possibility of transgenerational epigenetic effects challenges the old idea that DNA alone defines destiny.

Epigenetics also intersects with the science of aging. “Epigenetic clocks”—biological measures based on DNA methylation patterns—are now used to estimate biological age and disease risk. Research shows that healthy lifestyle patterns (nutritious diet, physical activity) may slow epigenetic aging, offering evidence that choices genuinely affect health span.  And while this area of research is still developing, it reinforces a central truth: our lifestyle habits influence not just how long we live, but how our genes behave as we age.

Epigenetics tells a hopeful story:

✔️ Your genes are not purely your fate.
✔️ Your choices influence gene activity — turning traits on or off.
✔️ Prenatal environment and lifestyle can shape long-term health outcomes.
✔️ Epigenetic influences may extend across generations.
✔️ Healthy behaviors — diet, movement, stress reduction — can produce measurable epigenetic benefits.

But it also places a powerful responsibility on us as individuals and families. No longer can we only blame our lineage for chronic disease or health challenges; our lifestyle choices reflect back on our biology.

Scientists will continue to refine this picture — especially as they connect epigenetics with mental patterns, emotional regulation, and subconscious conditioning — but one thing is clear: destiny is not set in stone.  It is written every day in how we live.

Link to Morter March Monday Rebroadcast: