Immigration Positive Impact in Modifying, Prevention of Genetically Induced Diseases “Obesity, Cancer”

Abstract

Behavioral, social, and environmental aspects of health are determinants of health in the development of genetically induced diseases, including obesity and cancer. Immigration is one of the important shifts in the context as it can have a positive impact on the change and prevention of these conditions. This paper evaluates the role of migration as a contributing factor in reducing genetic factors of obesity and cancer, in relation to the aspect of changes in lifestyle, environment, and healthcare access. The paper uses evidence provided by epidemiological and public health studies to offer an explanation on how gene-environment interactions, epigenetic processes and the healthy immigrant effect contribute to the development of the disease outcomes. The enhanced dietary variety, higher level of physical activity, improved access to preventive health services and exposure to health promoting general health systems are cited as the important mechanisms through which immigration can lessen the manifestation of the disease even when a person has a genetic inclination towards the disease. Simultaneously, the analysis does not ignore moderating variables including acculturation, socioeconomic status, and structural inequalities which have a long-term outcome. Comprehensively, the results illustrate the possibility of immigration as a protective factor in the prevention and intervention of genetically mediated obesity and cancer, which has significant implications on the prevention strategies of the population and preventive health, as well as health policy of the people.