Are the circumpolar Inuit becoming obese?

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Anthropology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Obesity is a growing global health concern.
• The Inuit/Eskimo population in the circumpolar region exhibits unique physiological characteristics.
• Existing obesity metrics may not be universally applicable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence on obesity prevalence and risks in the Inuit population.
• To evaluate the appropriateness of current obesity assessment tools for Inuit.
• To highlight the need for ethnospecific obesity criteria and interventions.

Main Methods:

• Review of ethnographic, historical, and epidemiological data.
• Analysis of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference in Inuit compared to global populations.
• Examination of health hazard associations and metabolic indicators.

Main Results:

• Inuit exhibit higher obesity risk based on universal criteria (BMI, waist circumference), particularly women.
• Obesity prevalence has increased in the last three decades.
• Dose-response relationships between obesity and metabolic indicators are attenuated in Inuit.
• BMI may be inappropriate due to Inuit's higher relative sitting height.

Conclusions:

• There is an urgent need for ethnospecific obesity criteria and body composition analysis for the Inuit.
• Community-based health interventions are crucial to avert the epidemic of obesity and chronic diseases.
• Further long-term studies are required to understand the metabolic consequences and disease risks.