Is severe obesity a cardiovascular health concern in the Inuit population?

Obesity is rising globally and severe obesity (SO) [body mass index (BMI) = 40 kg/m(2) or = 35 kg/m(2) with co-morbidity] is growing at a much faster rate. Amongst the Inuit, evolution of SO remains unknown. We investigated whether the level of SO changed and whether the cardio-metabolic profile improved or deteriorated in Nunavik Inuit between 1992 and 2004.

SO subjects were selected from two comparable population-based studies. These studies were undertaken in Nunavik (Quebec, Canada), and were performed in two different time frames, separated by 12 years. Physiological (lipid profile, fasting insulin, fasting glucose, and blood pressure) as well as anthropometric data (BMI, waist circumference, and waist to hip ratio) were collected in both studies.

There was approximately a fourfold increase in the prevalence of SO in comparable age groups. This increase affected both genders between 1992 and 2004. Smoking rates in SO populations have significantly decreased during this period, from 85% to 41% (P < 0.0001). Overall, there were no statistically significant differences in the cardio-metabolic profile (insulin, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, BMI, and waist to hip ratio). There was, however, a significant increase in waist circumference (P < 0.001), especially in women (P < 0.01). Type 2 diabetes remained stable, at around 40% in this population.

Although the prevalence of SO increased, the cardio-metabolic profile remained stable. Nevertheless, regular monitoring of chronic disease in this population remains crucial.