Which of the following is a non-modifiable risk factor?

• A. Diet.
• B. Genetics.
• C. Exercise.
• D. Smoking.

Answer: (B)

Non-modifiable risk factors are those you can’t change through behavior or medical treatment. Genetics fits this, since inherited genes can influence disease risk and can’t be altered. In contrast, diet, exercise, and smoking are modifiable because they’re actions you can change to influence risk. Even though you can’t change your genes, knowing genetic risk can guide how you screen and prevent disease through other means.