Genetics, race, ethnicity, and health

Genotypes and phenotypes It is a common misconception that the genotype determines the phenotype. Genetic factors do have a large influence on health, but they are just one piece of a much larger picture. We are all continuously developing throughout our lives with a constant interaction between our genes and the environment.1 Any discussion of genetic tendencies thus makes assumptions about who is normal and what is a normal environment.2 For example, some researchers have argued that Polynesians have a thrifty genotype with a greater tendency towards obesity and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes when they adopt a European diet.3 It now seems, however, that almost everyone except Europeans may have the thrifty genotype.4