- Bupa is rolling out a new range of genomic programmes globally, using DNA analysis to support more proactive, personalised healthcare
- Spanish actress, Elsa Pataky, is among the first to take the whole genome sequencing test, and discover how her genetics and lifestyle impact her longer-term health
- Elsa says the experience highlighted how genetic insights have helped her stay healthy while better understanding and managing potential future risks
Today, Bupa announced a partnership with Spanish actress Elsa Pataky, who is the first public figure to take part in its new What You’re Made Of programme, exploring how DNA insights can support more proactive, personalised healthcare. The programme aligns with Bupa’s ambition to deliver 250,000 genomic tests globally by the end of 2027.
As part of the partnership, Elsa Pataky took Bupa’s whole genome sequencing test, gaining personalised insights into how her genetics and lifestyle shape her health.
Elsa’s results highlighted areas of genetic risk where lifestyle plays an important role in whether those risks affect health, particularly in relation to respiratory and metabolic health, reinforcing the importance of healthy habits. However, for Elsa, the most powerful insight wasn’t what to change, but what to continue, reflecting how her existing healthy habits already play an important role in managing those risks.
The test also identified a genetic predisposition to certain food intolerances, including lactose and gluten, insights which Elsa has since shared with her family as part of a broader focus on preventive health. This reflects a wider trend seen in Bupa’s genomic data, with food intolerance risks found to be widespread, including 55% showing susceptibility to coeliac disease and 34% to lactose intolerance.
Commenting on her personal results, Elsa Pataky, said: “What I found reassuring was that the test focused on insight I could actually act on, rather than highlighting risks I couldn’t do anything about. The test gave me greater awareness of my long-term health and confidence that the choices I make every day can really make a difference. I’ve since encouraged others in my family to get the test done as it was such a positive experience.”
Elsa’s experience reflects what Bupa’s whole genome sequencing programme is designed to deliver more broadly. The programme gives individuals access to personalised genetic risk insights across more than 36 conditions. Each customer receives tailored DNA-based insights alongside expert clinical guidance, helping them take proactive steps to protect and strengthen their long-term health.
Whole genome sequencing forms part of Bupa’s broader My Genomic Health portfolio, which includes a range of clinically focused genomic tests supporting more personalised care. Importantly, the test reports only on genes where preventive action can be taken, such as earlier screening, clinically appropriate interventions, and evidence-based changes to lifestyle that may help reduce the risk of certain health conditions.
Data from Bupa’s initial whole-genome sequencing programme shows that genetic risk influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors is common across populations, reinforcing the value of preventive, personalised healthcare.
Elsa’s experience also reflects a wider opportunity to change perceptions around genetic health. Recent research from Bupa found that more than a third of adults believe there is nothing they can do to manage genetic risk, despite many risks being influenced by lifestyle, screening and early intervention.
Professor Melvin Samsom, Chief Medical Officer at Bupa, added: "Genomics turns insight into action. By understanding how genetics can influence health, lifestyle and response to medicines we can create personalised healthcare plans that supports early action and prevention for some and provides reassurance for others. This helps individuals manage their long-term health with greater confidence and clarity.”
Find out more about Bupa’s Genomic programmes.
Notes to editors
About Bupa’s Global Genomics Programme
Bupa aims to deliver 250,000 genetic tests by the end of 2027. These will include pharmacogenomic testing (Medication Check), polygenic risk testing, and whole-genome sequencing. It identifies risk of disease across more than 36 conditions including 10 cancers. Results from an initial programme of whole-genome sequencing for 14,000 customers across the UK, Spain and Poland are:
So far:
- 77% of participants have elevated polygenic risk (e.g. for diabetes, hypertension)
- 5% have high-risk monogenic variants linked to cancers and CVD
- Nearly 100% carry genetic variants that affect medication response
- 58% unsuited to common prescribed blood thinners such as acenocoumarol, fenprocumon, and warfarin, which are used to treat thrombosis, heart attacks, and strokes
- 28% unsuited to common prescribed antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications.
Genetic data generated through Bupa’s genomic programmes is used solely to support personalised healthcare and preventive action. Bupa does not use genetic data to set insurance premiums and complies with all applicable local laws and ethical codes.
About Bupa
Established in 1947, Bupa's purpose is helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world. We are an international healthcare company serving over 60 million customers worldwide. With no shareholders, we reinvest profits into providing more and better healthcare for the benefit of current and future customers. Bupa has businesses around the world, principally in Australia, the UK, Spain, Poland, Chile, Hong Kong SAR, India, Türkiye, Brazil, Mexico and New Zealand. We also have associate businesses in Saudi Arabia.
