Diet and physical activity in Greenland: genetic interactions and associations with obesity and diabetes

The Inuit in Greenland have gone through dramatic lifestyle changes during the last half century. More time is spent being sedentary and imported foods replaces traditional foods like seal and whale. The population has also experienced a rapid growth in obesity and metabolic disturbances and diabetes is today common despite being almost unknown few decades ago. In this paper, we describe and discuss the role of lifestyle changes and genetics for Inuit metabolic health. Novelty: Cardiometabolic disease risk has increased in Greenland. Lifestyle changes and possibly gene-lifestyle interactions play a role.

Automated summary

In recent years, dramatic lifestyle changes among the Inuit in Greenland have led to a rapid increase in obesity, metabolic disturbances, and the prevalence of diabetes. Research indicates that both lifestyle changes and potential gene-lifestyle interactions play a significant role in these health issues.