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Obesity and type 2 diabetes in Northern Canada's remote First Nations communities: the dietary dilemma

International Journal of Obesity volume 34, pages S24–S31 (2010)Cite this article

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Abstract

First Nations populations in Northwestern Ontario have undergone profound dietary and lifestyle transformations in less than 50 years, which have contributed to the alarming rise in obesity and obesity-related diseases, in particular type 2 diabetes mellitus. Even though the genetic background of First Nations peoples differs from that of the Caucasians, genetics alone cannot explain such a high prevalence in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Modifications in lifestyle and diet are major contributors for the high prevalence of chronic diseases. What remains constant in the literature is the persistent view that locally harvested and prepared foods are of tremendous value to First Nations peoples providing important health and cultural benefits that are increasingly being undermined by western-based food habits. However, the complexities of maintaining a traditional diet require a multifaceted approach, which acknowledges the relationship between benefits, risks and viability that cannot be achieved using purely conventional medical and biological approaches. This brief review explores the biological predispositions and potential environmental factors that contribute to the development of the high incidence of obesity and obesity-related diseases in First Nations communities in Northern Canada. It also highlights some of the complexities of establishing exact physiological causes and providing effective solutions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

    F Haman, P Imbeault & M A Robidoux

  2. Nutrition Program, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

    B Fontaine-Bisson, M Batal & J M Blais

  3. Indigenous Health Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

    M Batal & M A Robidoux

  4. Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

    B Fontaine-Bisson

  5. Nutrition and Metabolism Research Unit, Institut de Recherche de l'Hôpital Montfort, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

    M Batal

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Haman, F., Fontaine-Bisson, B., Batal, M. et al. Obesity and type 2 diabetes in Northern Canada's remote First Nations communities: the dietary dilemma. Int J Obes 34 (Suppl 2), S24–S31 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2010.236

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