New World Syndrome

New World Syndrome is a set of noncommunicative diseases brought on by rich food, junk food. Native Americans, the indigenous people of Oceania and perhaps other peoples of Asiatic origin are susceptible. It is characterized by obesity, heart disease, diabetes and shortened life span, and of course by a change from traditional diet and exercise to a European diet and a sedentary lifestyle.

It is hypothesized that the syndrome has a genetic basis resulting from an enhanced ability to store fat. The reasoning is that a population stressed by famine would tend to develop this ability. Such a population, exposed to an abundance of rich food would then be at risk to conditions which are associated with obesity.

External Link

• http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/2001/06/shell-p1.htm