The rate of participation in the UK Biobank Study was higher among women, older age groups, and persons living in less socioeconomically deprived areas. UK Biobank participants also differed with regard to several lifestyle and health-related characteristics when compared with the general population of the same age. For example, men aged 45–54 years were less likely to be obese (25.6% in UK Biobank vs. 31.5% in the general population) and less likely to be current smokers (15% vs. 22%), with similar findings being observed for women and older age groups. Furthermore, compared with the general population, UK Biobank participants were less likely to drink alcohol on a daily basis and had fewer self-reported health conditions. Linkage of UK Biobank participants with their health records during an average of 6–7 years of follow-up also showed lower rates of all-cause mortality and total cancer incidence than in the general population of the same age.
