Researchers at University of British Columbia have warned that Canada is facing an obesity epidemic with obesity rates across the country reaching historic levels. They added that this number is expected to continue climbing over the next few years.
Published today in the Canadian Journal of Public Health, the study provides the first comprehensive look at adult obesity rates across Canada since 1998, complete with "obesity maps."
Obesity
Obesity is a condition where there is excess accumulation of body fat which poses a risk to the health of the individual. It can affect children and adults.
Advertisement
"Being obese or overweight significantly increases the risk of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers," says study lead author, Prof. Carolyn Gotay in UBC's School of Population and Public Health. "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."
The Maritimes and the two Territories had the highest obesity rates from 2000 to 2011 - more than 30 per cent of the population in these regions is estimated to be obese. British Columbia had the lowest overall rates, but obesity still increased from less than 20 per cent to almost 25 per cent. Meanwhile, rates in Quebec remained below 24 per cent.
![Mantra to Prevent Childhood Obesity – Vigorous Physical Activity]( "Mantra to Prevent Childhood Obesity – Vigorous Physical Activity")
Being physically very active is the mantra to prevent pediatric obesity rather than concentrating efforts at restricting energy consumption.
The obesity maps that accompany the study serve as a tool to regional authorities to monitor and act on these trends, says Gotay, who is also the Canadian Cancer Society Chair in Cancer Primary Prevention in UBC's Faculty of Medicine.
"Maps that use colours and well-known geographical depictions are an efficient way to convey complex data that transcends language differences and personalizes the data for the viewer," says Gotay. "This information can provide an impetus for action for the public, health care providers, and decision makers."
Using data from the Canadian Community Health Survey, the researchers adjusted self-reported Body Mass Index (BMI) data to get more accurate obesity estimates. Over the 11-year study period, the researchers found the greatest increase occurring between 2000 and 2007.
Source: Eurekalert
Mantra to Prevent Childhood Obesity – Vigorous Physical Activity
Being physically very active is the mantra to prevent pediatric obesity rather than concentrating efforts at restricting energy consumption.
Advertisement
The obesity maps that accompany the study serve as a tool to regional authorities to monitor and act on these trends, says Gotay, who is also the Canadian Cancer Society Chair in Cancer Primary Prevention in UBC's Faculty of Medicine.
"Maps that use colours and well-known geographical depictions are an efficient way to convey complex data that transcends language differences and personalizes the data for the viewer," says Gotay. "This information can provide an impetus for action for the public, health care providers, and decision makers."
Using data from the Canadian Community Health Survey, the researchers adjusted self-reported Body Mass Index (BMI) data to get more accurate obesity estimates. Over the 11-year study period, the researchers found the greatest increase occurring between 2000 and 2007.
Source: Eurekalert
Diet and Nutrition for Healthy Weight Loss
Correct diet and a planned exercise regime is the mantra of healthy and sustainable weight loss.
Advertisement
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Obesity News
Regular exercise in obese individuals lowers memory loss and cognitive impairment, preventing neurodegenerative disorders including dementia.
Clinicians should take into account patients' BMI and RA-FQ scores when devising treatment strategies for RA flares, suggest researchers.
Study reveals the importance of host glycosylation, particularly GlcNAc-6-O-sulfation on intestinal mucins, in safeguarding against obesity and gut inflammation.
Metabolically healthy obesity are obese people with no metabolic complications but are at higher risk of metabolic co-morbidities compared to normal people.
KDS2010 drug was found to regulate astrocytes in brain which enhances fat metabolism resulting in weight loss without the need for dietary restrictions.