An evolutionary-physiological model of human energy management and the emergence of novel non-communicable diseases

Hillard Kaplan

Professor, Anthropology, University of New Mexico

Research Affiliate, Economic Science Institute, Chapman University

This talk presents recent findings obtained with Tsimane and Moseten Native South Americans showing that they 1) engage in high levels of physical activity, and have a high burden of infectious disease and high fertility rates; 2) have a very low prevalence of heart disease and dementia; 3) have slower rates of brain volume loss with age than U.S. and European populations; and 4) evidence a curvilinear relationship of BMI and non-HDL cholesterol with brain volume. Based on those results, I propose a theoretical model of the evolved human energy management system, focusing on the regulation and use of macronutrients in supporting physical activity, brain function, immunity, and reproduction. This is followed by a quantitative model that examines how natural selection would act on exogenous changes in energy supply and expenditure. The final part of the talk utilizes the model to explore how recent rapid changes in energy supply, physical activity, pathogen burden and reproduction result in increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, dementia, and cancer.