Obesity in northern Canadian Indians: patterns, determinants, and consequences

Area of Science:

• Indigenous Health
• Public Health Nutrition
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Obesity is a growing global health concern, with significant health disparities observed in Indigenous populations.
• Previous research indicates higher rates of chronic diseases among Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence and characteristics of obesity in adult Cree and Ojibwa populations in northern Canada.
• To identify factors associated with obesity and its relationship with metabolic health indicators and chronic disease risk.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey of 704 adult Cree and Ojibwa individuals.
• Measurements included body mass index (BMI), skinfold thickness, and girth ratios to assess obesity type.
• Multivariate analyses examined associations between BMI, lifestyle factors, and health outcomes (lipids, blood pressure, glucose).

Main Results:

• High prevalence of obesity across all age-sex groups, with nearly 90% of females aged 45-54 years having a BMI ≥ 26.
• Obesity was predominantly central, indicated by skinfold thickness and girth ratios.
• Obese individuals exhibited higher age-adjusted serum lipids, blood pressure, glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin, despite lower total energy intake.
• Calorie-adjusted carbohydrate intake was higher in obese subjects.
• Body mass index (BMI) independently predicted diabetic and hypertensive status.

Conclusions:

• Obesity, particularly central obesity, is a major public health issue for Cree and Ojibwa Indians in northern Canada.
• High BMI is a significant risk factor for developing diabetes and hypertension in this population.
• Addressing obesity is critical for preventing future chronic disease burdens in Indigenous communities.