New World syndrome

New World syndrome is a set of non-communicable diseases brought on by consumption of junk food and a sedentary lifestyle, especially common to indigenous peoples of the Americas, Oceania, and circumpolar peoples.[1] It is characterized by obesity, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and shortened life span.

Causes

New World syndrome is linked to a change from a traditional diet and exercise to a Western diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Traditional occupations of indigenous people—such as fishing, farming, and hunting—tended to involve constant activity, whereas modern office jobs do not. The introduction of modern transportation such as automobiles also decreased physical exertion.[2] Meanwhile, Western foods which are rich in fat, salt, sugar, and refined starches are also imported into countries. The amount of carbohydrates in diets increases.[3]

Diagnosis

The diagnosis does not require specific criteria. Obesity is often followed by its complications like hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and cardiac diseases.

See also

References

  1. ^ Gracey, Michael (1995). "New World syndrome in Western Australian aborigines". Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology. 22 (3): 220–225. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1681.1995.tb01985.x. ISSN 0305-1870. PMID 7554419. S2CID 27870339. Archived from the original on 2013-01-05.
  2. ^ Shell, Ellen Ruppel (2001). "New World Syndrome - Spam and turkey tails have turned Micronesians into Macronesians. A case study of how fatty Western plenty is taking a disastrous toll on people in developing countries". The Atlantic. 50. ISSN 1072-7825.
  3. ^ Lambert, Lorelei (1999). "The Kerr Dam: Collisions of Cultures". Keepers of the Central Fire: Issues in Ecology for Indigenous Peoples. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers. p. 46. ISBN 9780763709235. OCLC 44955349. With the expansion of the dominant culture, the people of the Flathead Nation grew increasingly dependent on a cash economy, and the dietary and health changes that resulted from an increase of carbohydrates in the diet. Today, diabetes, cardiac problems, hypertension, and the plethora of disease caused by obesity plague many members of the Flathead Nation (Personal conversation with Roy Big Crane).