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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
06:48
Clinical Anthropometrics and Body Composition from 3-Dimensional Optical Imaging
Published on: June 7, 2024
Ethnic differences in adiposity and body composition: the First Nations bone health study
William D Leslie1, Hope A Weiler, B L Grégoire Nyomba
1Faculty of Medicine (C5121), 409 Tache Ave., University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada. bleslie@sbgh.mb.ca
Summary
First Nations women show higher obesity rates and preferential trunk fat accumulation compared to white women. These differences in body composition may increase their risk for chronic diseases like diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Anthropology
- Public Health
- Medical Science
Background:
- Obesity and associated metabolic diseases disproportionately affect Indigenous populations globally.
- Understanding ethnic variations in body composition is crucial for targeted health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare adiposity and soft tissue composition between First Nations and white Canadian women.
- To identify ethnic differences in fat and lean tissue distribution.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cross-sectional study involving urban First Nations and white Canadian women.
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for soft tissue analysis.
- Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) adjusted for body mass, BMI, and socio-demographics.
Main Results:
- First Nations women had higher obesity prevalence (48.1% vs 36.2%).
- Greater mean trunk fat mass fraction and total body fat mass fraction in First Nations women.
- Preferential trunk fat accumulation in First Nations women persisted after adjustments.
Conclusions:
- First Nations women exhibit distinct patterns of adiposity and soft tissue composition compared to white women.
- Increased trunk fat in First Nations women may be a significant risk factor for diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular events.
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