The Evolutionary Misfit: Evolution, Epigenetics, And The Rise Of Non-Communicable Diseases
Our bodies are incredibly adaptable, a legacy of millions of years of evolution. However, the rapid changes in our modern world—think abundant food, sedentary lifestyles, and urban living—are creating a significant disconnect with the environments our ancestors evolved in. This mismatch, where traits that were once beneficial now become detrimental, is a key reason behind the rise of chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. These conditions are often not a failure of our biology, but rather a predictable outcome of our bodies trying to cope with circumstances they weren’t designed for.
Adding another layer of complexity is the concept of “epigenetics.” This refers to changes in how our genes are expressed, or turned on and off, without actually altering the underlying DNA sequence. Our environment, especially during early life development, can leave these “epigenetic marks” on our genes. For example, if a developing fetus experiences scarcity, its body might be programmed to store energy efficiently. If that individual then grows up in an environment of abundance, this “thrifty” programming can unfortunately increase the risk of metabolic diseases. These early life influences can either help us adapt or make us more vulnerable, depending on whether our adult environment matches what our bodies were prepared for.
Understanding this interplay between our evolutionary past and our modern present is crucial. Since many of these chronic diseases are preventable and manageable rather than curable, the focus should be on aligning our lifestyles and environments with our evolved biology. This means not just individual choices, but also broader community and urban planning efforts to create healthier, more sustainable societies.
Source: link to paper