How did colonial famines affect South Asian health?

Colonial famines, unlike earlier ones, were prolonged and man-made, causing generations to be exposed to starvation and leaving inheritable epigenetic effects.

What is evolutionary mismatch in relation to South Asian health?

Evolutionary mismatch describes how adaptations for survival during historical famines, such as efficient fat storage, now contribute to diseases in modern abundance.

Are there global examples of historical trauma impacting health?

Yes, populations like those experiencing the Dutch Hunger Winter, Great Chinese Famine, and indigenous North American communities show similar long-term health effects from historical calamities.

Home / Health / Colonial Famines Fuel South Asia's Health Crisis

Colonial Famines Fuel South Asia's Health Crisis

25 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Colonial exploitation caused widespread famine, altering South Asian genetics.
South Asians face higher rates of diabetes and heart disease.
Epigenetics shows how famine adaptations are passed across generations.

Colonial Famines Fuel South Asia's Health Crisis

A compelling argument links South Asia's escalating health crisis to its colonial past. Physician Dr. Mubin Syed's research reveals that historical famines, systematically induced by British administrative decisions and grain extraction, profoundly impacted South Asian biology.

These prolonged periods of starvation led to genetic and epigenetic changes, passed down through generations as survival adaptations. While these adaptations helped ancestors endure hardship, they now predispose modern South Asians to higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

The crisis is multifaceted, but understanding this historical trauma offers a path toward resilience. By acknowledging this legacy, communities can foster compassion and pursue targeted health strategies, including dietary adjustments and regular screenings, to mitigate current health challenges.