The Health Consequences of 'Modernisation' Evidence from Circumpolar Peoples [Paperback]

Investigates the health consequences of switching from an active 'hunter-gatherer' lifestyle to that of sedentary modern living.What are the health consequences of switching from an active 'hunter-gatherer' lifestyle to that of sedentary modern living? Here, the impact of 'modernisation' in circumpolar peoples is assessed. The hazards to humans of living in polar regions, and the effect of changes in habitual activity, diet, and general lifestyle due to more urban living patterns are investigated. This work has far-reaching implications for the survival of indigenous communities around the world, and for all of us living an increasingly sedentary, urban lifestyle.What are the health consequences of switching from an active 'hunter-gatherer' lifestyle to that of sedentary modern living? Here, the impact of 'modernisation' in circumpolar peoples is assessed. The hazards to humans of living in polar regions, and the effect of changes in habitual activity, diet, and general lifestyle due to more urban living patterns are investigated. This work has far-reaching implications for the survival of indigenous communities around the world, and for all of us living an increasingly sedentary, urban lifestyle.In this book, the authors assess the impact of modernization on various populations in the circumpolar regions. They examine the adaptations shown culturally, behaviorally, and physically by the indigenous peoples, and discuss the effect of changes in habitual activity, diet, and general life style due to more urban living patterns on body composition, pulmonary function and susceptibility to disease.Preface; 1. The circumpolar habitat and its peoples - traditional lifestyle and early research findings; 2. Concept of the International Biological Programme Human Adaptability Project and IBP studies of circumpolar peoples; 3. Changes in social structure and behaviour; 4. Secular trends in diet, metabolism and body composition; 5. Secular trends in physical fitness and coll32