Why Are South Asians In A Health Crisis? It May Start With Colonialism
Words by Dr. Mubin Syed
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Why Are South Asians In A Health Crisis? It May Start With Colonialism
You might have noticed it in your family or community: someone who eats healthy, stays active, and still ends up with high blood sugar, heart issues, or a diagnosis of diabetes at a much younger age than you would ever expect. It’s a frustrating and confusing reality for many South Asians. But this isn't just about individual habits or bad luck—it’s about history. A history filled with trauma, famine, and survival strategies that are now colliding with our modern lifestyles.
Today, South Asians have some of the highest rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and kidney disease in the world. And it’s not just happening in South Asia. South Asians born and raised in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada are also at higher risk than many other ethnic groups.
So how did we get here?