Genetics vs. Lifestyle: Are You Really Doomed by Your DNA?

I hear it all the time.

"Well, my mom had diabetes, so I probably will too."
"Heart disease runs in my family."
"Everyone in my family gains weight after 40, it’s just how we are."

It’s like people are bracing themselves for health problems like they’re inevitable—as if their DNA has already sealed the deal.

But let me be real with you:
Your genes are not your destiny.

Yes, you inherit certain genes from your parents. That’s biology. But how those genes behave? That’s influenced by you. Your habits, your environment, your choices.

Let’s break it down.

What Genetics Actually Means

Genetics gives you the blueprint. You might inherit a predisposition to certain conditions—diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity—but that’s not the same thing as a guarantee.

Just because your parent had XYZ doesn’t mean you’re fated to have it too.

That’s where epigenetics comes in.

Epigenetics: The Power You Didn’t Know You Had

Epigenetics is the study of how your lifestyle affects the way your genes work.
Think of it like this:

Genes load the gun.
Lifestyle pulls the trigger.

You can turn off genes that lead to disease and turn on the ones that help your body thrive.

• Eat like crap, never move your body, stay stressed out and sleep-deprived? You’re flipping the switch toward disease.

• Start eating more real food, strength training, drinking water, sleeping better, and managing stress? You’re flipping that switch the other way.

So Is It Genetics… or Shared Habits?

Let’s be honest: Most of the time it’s not just DNA you share with your family.

It’s the same lifestyle.

• The same sedentary routine

• The same processed foods in the pantry

• The same habits around alcohol, sugar, fast food, and screen time

• The same belief that “this is just the way it is”

But guess what? You don’t have to repeat the cycle.

The Wake-Up Call

If you’ve been telling yourself that you’re stuck because of your family history—stop.

You are not powerless. You are not broken. You’re not doomed.
You’re just not doing the things that help your body fight back yet.

And the best part? You can start anytime. Even now.

Every strength workout. Every healthy meal. Every night of solid sleep. Every boundary you set around stress.
All of it helps your body rewrite the script.

Break the Cycle

Maybe your parents didn’t know what you know now.
Maybe they didn’t have the resources.
Maybe they didn’t have anyone to call them out and show them a better way.

But you do.
You have the information, the support, and the ability to take control.
So use it.

Let your story be the one that changes your family tree.

Because genetics may be the blueprint…
But you are the builder.