Tag: Thrifty gene

With some of the world's highest rates of obesity, Pacific island nations consistently top global health indices. In American Samoa, for instance, a staggering 75% of the adult population is considered obese, fueling widespread interest in the potential genetic and cultural factors behind this health crisis.

Nearly half of the Samoan population carries a genetic variant that promotes more efficient fat storage, a trait that was historically advantageous. Understanding the scientific and cultural factors behind the distinct Samoan physique requires moving beyond simple observations.