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

Abstract

A survey of 704 adult Cree and Ojibwa Indians in northern Canada found that a large proportion of individuals in all age-sex groups was obese. Almost 90% of females aged 45–54 y had a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 26. The obesity was primarily of the central type as gauged by skinfold thickness and girth ratios. Multivariate analyses showed that age, sex, smoking, alcohol use, marital status, and employment were associated with the levels of BMI and/or the sum of skinfold thicknesses. When three categories of BMI were compared, higher age-adjusted mean serum lipids, blood pressures, glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin were observed in the obese subjects whereas total energy was decreased. Calorie-adjusted carbohydrate intake was higher in the obese subjects. BMI was an independent and significant predictor of both diabetic and hypertensive status. Obesity is a significant public health problem for Indians and poses particular risks for future chronic diseases.