Associations between common genetic variants and income provide insights about the socio-economic health gradient

Publication type

Journal Article

Series Number

Authors

Publication date

April 1, 2025

Summary:

We conducted a genome-wide association study on income among individuals of European descent (N = 668,288) to investigate the relationship between socio-economic status and health disparities. We identified 162 genomic loci associated with a common genetic factor underlying various income measures, all with small effect sizes (the Income Factor). Our polygenic index captures 1–5% of income variance, with only one fourth due to direct genetic effects. A phenome-wide association study using this index showed reduced risks for diseases including hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes, depression, asthma and back pain. The Income Factor had a substantial genetic correlation (0.92, s.e. = 0.006) with educational attainment. Accounting for the genetic overlap of educational attainment with income revealed that the remaining genetic signal was linked to better mental health but reduced physical health and increased risky behaviours such as drinking and smoking. These findings highlight the complex genetic influences on income and health.

Published in

Nature Human Behaviour

Volume and page numbers

Volume: 9 , p.794 -805

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-024-02080-7

ISSN

23973374

Subjects

Notes

Open Access

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