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Canadian adults (except for pregnant and lactating women). However, data used to support the classification system were derived predominantly from studies in Caucasian populations. There is evidence that certain ethnic or racial groups may differ from Caucasians in their levels of total body fat at a given BMI, in their fat distribution patterns, and in their degree of health risk. Differences may be influenced in part, by differences in body build or body proportions. For some groups such as Chinese and people from South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka), the health risks may be greater than for Caucasians at the same BMI. For others, such as Black populations, health risks may be lower. For First Nations, Inuit and other Canadian Aboriginal populations, research is required to determine if the association between weight and health risk differs from that in Caucasians. At the present time, for all groups within the Canadian population, the BMI and WC values provided in the updated weight classification system can be used as one indicator of health risk.
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