Knowing your risk won’t change your behaviour

Increasingly genetic tests are being offered that suggest if you know your risk for something, you’ll be more likely to change your behaviour; but new research is suggesting this isn’t the case. In a review study authors found having information genetic risk had little or no effect on people’s diet, or smoking or exercise habits.

Original research paper published in the BMJ on March 15, 2015.

Names and affiliations of selected authors

Theresa M Marteau, Behaviour and Health Research Unit, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom