How evolution made Samoan children larger than most of their peers.

Samoan children often stand out for their large size among their peers from other countries, thanks to a unique combination of genetics and evolutionary adaptations of Polynesians. The ancestors of the Samoans crossed thousands of kilometers of ocean in fragile canoes, where only those who could store fat and energy for times of famine survived, and this ability became ingrained in their genes.

Samoan children are born heavier than average, weighing 20% ​​more than the WHO recommended weight by 15 months. Formula instead of breast milk accelerates fat gain, and heavy infants become strong, muscular children. Polynesians have naturally high bone density and testosterone levels, giving them an advantage in strength-based sports such as rugby and American football, where Samoans often dominate. However, progress has altered this balance—a high-calorie diet and a sedentary lifestyle have transformed this ancient adaptation for survival into a risk factor for obesity. Among Samoan children aged 6–9, the incidence of overweight and metabolic disorders is two to three times higher than the global average.