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Maps reveal increased prevalence of obesity in Canada
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Results from an 11-year study demonstrate increasing rates in obesity in Canada, and to pinpoint the areas of concern, researchers have unveiled maps that report the changes in obesity rates over time according to individual provinces.
“Being obese or overweight significantly increases the risk of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers,” researcher Carolyn C. Gotay, PhD, of the University of British Columbia’s School of Population and Public Health, said in a press release. “Our analysis shows that more Canadians are obese than ever before — on average, between one-fourth and one-third of Canadians are obese, depending on the region.”
Gotay and colleagues utilized data from the Canadian Community Health Survey, including self-reported height and weight (including estimated calculations for BMI) in eligible patients aged 18 years and older for 2000, 2003, 2005, and 2007 to 2011.
According to data, the estimated prevalence of obesity throughout Canada has increased over 11 years. Additionally, data indicate Maritime provinces (ie, Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island) and two territories (ie, Northwest Territories and Nunavut) demonstrate an increase and sustained rate of obesity.
“In fact, the 2011 prevalence exceeded 30% in all of these areas. In contrast, British Columbia is the only province in which fewer than one in five residents have been obese during any of the past 11 years, and both BC and Quebec have maintained prevalence below 25% over the period,” Gotay and colleagues wrote.
Gotay said studies such as these can provide compelling evidence for public health to policymakers and health care providers.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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