Canadians are becoming increasingly obese, according to a new study. The number of people in the country who are morbidly obese has risen to 1.3% in 2003, from the 1990 figure of 0.3%, according to researchers belonging to Queen's University. The body mass index (BMI) is made use of by Health Canada for measuring obesity, and if the BMI is above 25, a person is declared overweight, and if it crosses 30, it is a case of obesity.
As per the 2004 data, 23% of the Canadian population was obese. The country’s obesity epidemic appears to be getting worse. Obesity serves to aggravate conditions like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer, in addition to being a burden to the country’s health-care system. The medical system of Canada spent an amount of $ 1.8 million in the year 1997 towards treating obesity related cases. The health-care system of the country is likely to be further affected adversely due to the increases in the class 3 and 2 obesity levels.The real obesity figures may also be much higher as most people tend to underestimate their weight and provide wrong information. The Canadian Medical Association Journal published the results of the study. The obesity epidemic in the country can be treated through exercise, diet, and lifestyle changes. The country’s scientists are as yet unable to figure out the reason behind the fat people getting fatter. The problem of obesity and being overweight In Canada is not sparing the country’s children either.
