A new study shows a very worrisome trend; more and more Canadians are becoming obese and the increase is dramatic.
The lead author of the study is Dr Laurie Wells of the Faculty of Medicine at Memorial University in St.John’s Newfoundland and Labrador.
The study showed that between 1985 and 2011, the percentage of Canadians 18 and older rated as obese rose from just over 6 percent to just over 18 percent (6.1-18.3)
The report said that obesity is linked to a number of health issues and the more excessive the weight or body-mass index (BMI) the greater the health risks for disease such as diabetes, cancer, and high blood pressure and its associated risks.
The researchers estimate the economic costs of obesity in Canada range between $4.6 billion, to $7.1 billion.
- Normal BMI= 18.5-24.9
The report says the highest classes of obesity, Class 2 and 3 are rising most quickly. © AP - Overweight =25.0-29.9
- Obese Cl-1= 30-34.9
- Obese Cl-2=35;0-39;9
- Obese Cl-3= 40.0 and over
The study says the percentage of overweight Canadians in now at 33% of the population, an increase of 21 percent from 1985 to 2011, while the percentage of case of obesity, meaning those with a BMI of 30 or greater tripled in that period.
The study predicted that overweight and obesity rates will continue to rise in Canada
This latest study supports an earlier study published in 2013 by the University of British Columbia which also showed a marked increase in obesity
That study’s author, Catherine Goday, professor at the university’s School of Population and Public Health, said “It tends to be a global issue in developed countries and a lot of that is based on what we’re eating,” She said, “We’re eating foods that are high in calories and at the same time we’re sitting a lot more. It’s a modern lifestyle that is leading us to problems.”
The Memorial University study predicts that if trends continue about 21% of adult Canadians will be obese by 2019.
Canada is not alone. Other studies indicate that in the United States, it is estimated that by 2030, 42% of the adult population will be obese. In Australia, by 2025, most men (83%) and women (75%) will be either overweight or obese.
The study analysed data from Canadian health surveys conducted between 1985 and 2011
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