A meta-analysis conducted in 2016 suggests that information on the presence or absence of certain risk genes has little or no impact on the behaviour of affected individuals. An analysis of data from 18 studies examined attitudes towards smoking, diet, exercise, alcohol consumption and other factors. On average, no significant difference in the behavior of the affected persons was found after notifying them of the respective risk genes.

In how far the low impact of this feedback is a consequence of too little pertinence of the results is not recorded qualitatively. The validity of individual studies has to be looked at critically. 14 of the 18 examined studies did not meet all of the quality criteria of the meta-analysis, such as adequate randomisation. Nevertheless, the criteria were considered to be sufficient for participation.

An overview study published in 2017 on the mediation of person-specific health risks, which also includes risk genes, appraises the positive effects on the behavior of individuals critically.

So far, the research focus has been on developing more effective treatments and more accurate prediction capabilities and less on whether health benefits can be achieved via risk reduction through behavioral changes. Therefore, only limited empirical data on this topic is available.