Some studies suggest that the similarity in the frequency of lifestyle-related health challenges in Sami and majority population might be a result of assimilation and acculturation, because transition into the culture’s lifestyles may be followed by an increase in the prevalence of related diseases like CVD, diabetes, obesity and cancer . Eliassen and colleagues  discuss that these diseases may also be understood as caused by chronic stress related to assimilation politics. According to Hansen , chronic stress due to ethnic discrimination in areas where Sami are a minority could be a source of a wide range of chronic diseases. Moreover, Samis are to a higher degree than the majority population disposed to violence, ethnic discrimination and bullying . Thus, it is unclear, whether the similarities between the Sami and the majority population are a consequence of similar lifestyle, leading to a similar prevalence of lifestyle related diseases, or the consequences of acculturation pressure, which in consequence leads to a similar disease rate, despite that fact that the Sami culture may include inherent resilience factors with regard to public health.