Researchers from Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) have presented the latest anthropological study of the population, in which residents of Ventspils have been surveyed. It turns out that people living in this area are taller and heavier than other residents of Kurzeme, and also considerably more stubborn. The study will continue for several more years across Latvia and will later be used for entirely practical purposes as well.
Rīga Stradiņš University professor Jānis Vētra explained the significance of this study as follows: “By measuring an individual’s data — the physical body, proportions, asymmetries, and potential bodily asymmetry — we can immediately provide recommendations for improving health, and this constitutes immediate feedback. These are also data for public health, where there may be increased body weight, risks of cardiovascular diseases, risks related to the musculoskeletal system, and similar issues.”
The results of the study have also confirmed perceptions about the character of the people of Kurzeme and the lifestyle of Ventspils residents. One of the study’s implementers in Ventspils, physician Rauls Vēliņš, noted: “Ventspils residents are sharper than other people from Kurzeme. People from Kuldīga are more hospitable. Those who have sharpness also possess quick reactions, a sense of humor, self‑confidence, and a light self‑irony, and this is very characteristic of Ventspils residents — that light self‑irony.”
A negative trend was observed in the blood pressure measurement results, with elevated blood pressure recorded in 70% of cases among men and in 56% of cases among women.
The study, involving seven researchers and around 30 Rīga Stradiņš University students, was launched two years ago in Piebalga. This summer, the study will continue with the collection of population data in Zemgale and Vidzeme. The final results of the large‑scale study are planned to be compiled at the end of 2029.
