1.Distribution of Hypertension and other traditional risk factors through Arctic regions (Chateau-Degat ML) 2.An analysis of anthropometric markers of metabolic disease in adult Inuit (Galloway T) 3.An analysis of socioeconomic and behavioural determinants of growth and obesity among adult Inuit (Galloway T) 4.An analysis of the extent to which the nutrition transition has influenced obesity status among circumpolar Inuit (Galloway T) 5.Perceived and actual body size among circumpolar Inuit (Galloway T) 6.Health benefits and risks of selenium in traditional inuit diet (Lemire M)

Distribution of Hypertension and other traditional risk factors through Arctic regions Across the Arctic, during the last 60 years, Inuit populations have undergone an accelerated social and dietary transition towards a westernized lifestyle. Such disruption can lead to concomitant cardio-metabolic disturbances. Hypertension (HTN), one of the main determinants of cardiovascular disease (CVD), is a useful indicator of CVD among adults. Recently, studies of different Inuit subgroups suggest a high rate of CVD. However, the lack of population-based data limits the generalizability of results to Arctic populations. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of hypertension among Inuit and explore its relationship with other key risk factors in three circumpolar regions. ( Marie-Ludivine Chateau-Degat, PhD)

An analysis of anthropometric markers of metabolic disease in adult Inuit This paper will analyze the relationship between anthropometric indices (including but not limited to BMI) and biomarkers of metabolic risk such as glucose, insulin and fatty acid profile. Similar analyses have been conducted in each of the three geographic regions, however there has not been a comprehensive assessment of this issue in the Inuit data set as a whole. I will approach the authors of related Nunavik and Greenland research regarding co-authorship. (Tracey Galloway, PhD)

An analysis of socioeconomic and behavioural determinants of growth and obesity among adult Inuit Bjerregaard’s recent (2010) paper on this topic provides a comprehensive look at socioeconomic factors related to both height and obesity. The present study will undertake a similar analysis across all three regions using a wide range of variables including income, employment status, marital status, self-reported health, housing, smoking, alcohol, physical activity and diet. (Tracey Galloway, PhD)

Perceived and actual body size among circumpolar Inuit This paper will examine data on perceptions of body weight among Inuit in Nunavik and Greenland, and their relationship to body measures. Ideally, additional interviews/focus groups will be conducted to place this analysis in the context of cultural models of body size in the various circumpolar regions. (Tracey Galloway, PhD)

An analysis of the extent to which the nutrition transition has influenced obesity status among circumpolar Inuit This paper will construct a model of “cultural competence” (terminology?) made up of variables such as knowledge of Inuit language and consumption of traditional/country foods. The study will examine the relative prevalence of obesity among Inuit who report knowledge/use of Inuit language, large family networks of support, spending time on the land, and consuming traditional foods. (Tracey Galloway, PhD)

Health benefits and risks of selenium in traditional inuit diet Selenium (Se) is an essential element involved in several body functions, including protection against oxidative stress and redox status balance. Insufficient Se intake ( 1000µg/L in B-Se). In order to better understand the role of Se in cardiovascular diseases and the benefits from traditional foods of the circumpolar region (Nunavik, Nunavut, Nunatsiavut, Greenland), the objectives of the present project is to describe the spatial variation in Se status in the different Inuit populations and to evaluate the associations between Se status, food consumption patterns and socio-demographic data in different regions;to evaluate the associations between Se status and diabetes prevalence, lipid’s profile (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, Apo-B) and markers of oxidative stress (OxLDL, tec.) in the circumpolar region.( Mélanie Lemire, PhD)