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thrifty gene hypothesis  

Definition

  • The thrifty gene hypothesis is the idea that humans can efficiently store nutrients that were limited in supply 10,000–15,000 years ago (known as the Paleolithic era) and that this increased efficiency in storage is related to many of the metabolic problems observed today. This hypothesis was first proposed by James Neel in 1962. [Source: Encyclopedia of Obesity; Thrifty Gene Hypothesis]

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https://concepts.sagepub.com/social-science/concept/thrifty_gene_hypothesis

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