How Smart Are The Kenyans ?

"The thing always happens that you really believe in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen."– Frank Lloyd Wright

Are we getting smarter as a nation?  Well, we might not be based upon the growing trend toward obesity. Do you think there is a relationship between being overweight and cognitive intelligence? If you believe that there is a correlation between the two variables, the more likely you’ll agree with what these researchers recently found in their study presented at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress on October 29.

In their study, six overweight sedentary adults who averaged age 49 years had workouts twice a week both with an exercise bike as well as with weight training for only four months. At the end of the study, of only four months, the researchers found that the six achieved greater fitness, reduced waist circumference and attained lower body weight. However, the researchers also found that these individuals significantly and clinically improved their performance on tests of cognitive mental acuity. In fact, being more and fit resulted in higher cognitive performance. This article was found in the November 3-4 edition of the Wall Street Journal.

The relationship between intelligence and obesity can also be compared   with the Kenyans. In 1975, we were thinner as a nation. In 1975, 34 marathons were run under two hours and 20 minutes. Guess what, by 2005, that number fell to only 22 marathons run under two hours and 20 minutes by Americans. This suggests that there could be an association between our nation getting fatter, dumber and slower. And as we are getting fatter, we are becoming less smart or intelligent as far as our health goes.

On the other hand, by 2005 there were 490 Kenyans running sub two hours and 20 minute marathons. How does it happen that these Kenyans are, getting smarter and faster? OK, some of you might say it’s related to heredity. Well, in 1975 there were no Kenyans running sub two hour and 20 minute marathons. What could be their secret?

Well, this is what they are doing that we are not. For one thing they mostly live and train in a small town located at 8000 feet of elevation. Second, they run barefoot to school and if they are late, they get physically punished. Third, they run twice a day and rest in between. Fourth, they frequently run in local competitive races.  That doesn’t sound like heredity to me, does it to you?

I want to share an observation with you. I live in a gated community in the foothills of Northern California. In my community there are school bus stops. Many kids in my community get a ride   or get picked up  at  these bus stops which is very un- Kenyan like.  What are these kids going to look like in 50 years and what do you think their marathon times are going to  be ?

.If you want to find out more about these Kenyans read about them in Adharanand Finn’s book. In the meantime, get smarter and healthier, by keep moving.