The evidence behind our approach.
Everything we build is guided by four principles, and grounded in six areas of peer-reviewed evidence.
Longevity
5 low-risk lifestyle factors → 14 extra years of life (women) / 12 (men) at age 50; 74% lower risk of premature death, 82% lower cardiovascular mortality, 65% lower cancer mortality.
Li et al., Circulation 2018.
Cognitive decline & dementia
~45% of dementia cases are linked to 14 modifiable risk factors.
Livingston et al., Lancet Commission 2020/2024.
Cardiovascular disease
~90% of population risk for a first heart attack is explained by 9 modifiable factors.
Yusuf et al., Lancet 2004 (INTERHEART) + Life's Essential 8, Circulation 2022.
Obesity & type 2 diabetes
~58% reduction in incidence over 3 years (vs metformin's 31%); improvement in 46% after 1 year, 36% after 2 years.
Knowler et al., NEJM 2002 (DPP); Lean et al., DiRECT.
Stress, anxiety & depression
Physical activity has ~1.5× the effect of medication or therapy alone in many comparisons; based on an umbrella review of 97 meta-analyses (~128,000 participants).
Singh et al., BJSM 2023; Jacka et al., BMC Medicine 2017 (SMILES).
Biomarkers
A compact panel — blood pressure, LDL/ApoB, HbA1c/fasting glucose, waist/BMI, resting heart rate, VO2max — covers most of the modifiable risk.
Mandsager et al., JAMA Netw Open 2018.
Only ~7% of life expectancy is determined by genes.
The rest is shaped by lifestyle, environment and chance — which is exactly where evidence-based action can make a difference.
Correlation is not causation. The figures above come from large observational studies and randomised trials as referenced; individual results vary.
Important
Longevity Institute and Vila Health provide health guidance based on lifestyle science. We are not a medical device, and we do not diagnose, treat or cure medical conditions. Always consult qualified health professionals about medical concerns. Our aim is to supplement — not replace — professional care.
Correlation is not causation. The figures cited come from large observational studies and randomised trials as referenced; individual results vary. Scores are a marker of progress — not a diagnosis.