Defending the Caveman and his “thrifty� genes: Physical inactivity at the root of chronic disease

Abstract

Over the past few years the habits of the “Cave Man� have been explained to countless audiences to help them understand the behaviour of the “Modern Man and Woman�. This undoubtedly has led to an improvement in relationships between men and women because we can finally blame our behaviour on something that we are not responsible for, our ancestors!!! However, an important habit not emphasised to audiences was that the Cave Man performed regular physical activity. Unfortunately, this habit has not been inherited by modern day Homo sapiens. This article will,1 provide a brief overview of the incidence of chronic disease, particularly in Africa,2 provide some epidemiological evidence linking physical inactivity with the development of chronic disease, and3 by discussing the “lifestyle� of the Cave Man, will explain why physical inactivity is a primary factor leading to the development of chronic disease.