Nutritional status and cardio-respiratory functions among adult Raji males, a hunter and gatherer tribe of the Indian Himalayas

The present work studies the anthropometric characteristics, nutritional status, and cardio-respiratory functions of Rajis, a tribal community that live at medium altitudes (914–2286 m) in the Indian Himalayas. Sixty-three Rajis in the age range 21–70 years were studied. Six anthropometric and six physiological variables were studied, and the body mass index (BMI) was computed. All anthropometric and physiological dimensions showed a decline with advancing age. The lung functions, structural chest dimensions, muscular strength, stature, weight, and body circumferences showed significant but negative correlation with age; however, blood pressure and pulse rate displayed a statistically significant but positive correlation with age. All the subjects above 50 years of age were found to be in different underweight categories. The Rajis are habitually very active and displayed comparable lung functions to other mid- and high-altitude populations despite having low BMI values. The present study indicates the importance of lung function in rendering an adaptive advantage to the Raji population.