South Asian Health: Beyond Genes

The South Asian community is predisposed to developing serious health conditions, including heart disease and metabolic disorders, often at a younger age and without apparent warning signs. Modern dietary patterns, particularly the consumption of refined starches like white rice without sufficient physical activity, are identified as significant contributors to these escalating risks.

Experts caution that a slim appearance can be deceiving, masking internal health problems such as liver fat, visceral fat accumulation, and silent inflammation, a condition known as TOFI. This underscores the importance of looking beyond external weight.

Furthermore, ingrained generational habits, including diets heavy in ghee and sugary beverages like chai, perpetuate these health issues. Breaking these cycles requires conscious lifestyle changes, emphasizing that while genetics play a role, lifestyle choices are the primary trigger for many health problems.