Samoan people are widely recognized for their substantial physical builds, a characteristic that often sparks curiosity about its origins. This noticeable size is a complex outcome, shaped by a blend of genetic inheritance, traditional cultural practices, and evolving dietary habits.
Ancestral Adaptations and Genetics
The unique physical characteristics observed in Samoans and other Polynesian populations are partly attributed to ancestral adaptations, specifically linked to the “thrifty gene” hypothesis. This theory suggests that during long, arduous oceanic migrations and periods of food scarcity, individuals with genes promoting efficient energy storage and fat retention had a survival advantage.
A specific genetic variant, p.Arg457Gln in the CREBRF gene, has been identified as being strongly associated with body mass index (BMI) in Samoans. This variant, while rare in other populations, is common among Samoans, present in nearly half the population. In laboratory models, this particular variant has been shown to decrease energy use and increase fat storage in fat cells, supporting its role in a “thrifty” metabolism. While this genetic factor contributes to a higher propensity for fat storage, it is not the sole determinant of body size, as evidenced by the significant increase in obesity rates in Samoa only in recent decades.
Cultural Practices and Diet
Traditional Samoan diets were historically rich in nutrient-dense whole foods, supporting robust physical development. Staples included taro, breadfruit, bananas, and a variety of seafood, often supplemented with pork and chicken for ceremonial events. These foods provided sustained energy and nutrients, contributing to healthy and strong physiques.
However, contemporary dietary patterns have shifted significantly due to modernization and Westernization. There is now a greater reliance on processed and imported foods, often high in fat, sugar, and sodium, such as canned corned beef, mutton flaps, and turkey tails. This shift has led to a decrease in the consumption of traditional staples like green leafy vegetables, certain fruits, and fresh fish. The availability of inexpensive, convenient, and calorie-dense processed foods, combined with less physical activity, has contributed to a rise in obesity and related health issues in recent decades.
Understanding Samoan Body Composition and Health
The term “big” when referring to Samoan people often encompasses a build characterized by substantial muscle mass and bone density, rather than solely body fat. Studies indicate that Polynesians, including Samoans, tend to have a higher ratio of lean mass to fat mass compared to people of European descent at similar BMI levels. Some research also indicates lower myostatin levels in Samoans, a protein that limits muscle growth, potentially allowing for greater muscle development.
This robust body composition has contributed to significant athletic prowess, particularly in sports requiring strength and power, such as rugby and American football. Samoans are notably overrepresented in the National Football League (NFL), with estimates suggesting a Samoan boy is 56 times more likely to play in the NFL than any other boy in America. This success is attributed not only to their physical attributes but also to cultural values like community focus and respect for elders, which align well with team sports.
Despite these advantageous physical traits for sports, the shift to modern lifestyles and diets has introduced considerable health challenges. Samoa faces high rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. In 2019, nearly one in three deaths in Samoa were attributed to NCDs. For instance, in American Samoa, nearly one in three adults has diabetes, and in the early 2000s, adult overweight and obesity rates were as high as 93 percent. This illustrates that while a larger build can be associated with strength, the interplay of genetics with modern dietary and lifestyle changes can lead to adverse health outcomes.