Obesity Rises Among Canadian Adults
The Associated Press, Thu 9 May 2002
OTTAWA (AP) — Obesity is increasing among Canadian adults, even though more people say they are physically active, the government statistics agency reported.

Statistics Canada said Wednesday that the percentage of Canadians considered obese increased to 15 percent from 13 percent during the six-year period from 1994-95 to 2000-2001.

The number of obese adults increased 24 percent over that period, the agency said, based on results of a survey of more than 100,000 people in the nation of 30 million.

Obesity is defined by a mathematical formula that measures height and weight to determine an individual's body mass index. If the resulting number is 30 or more, the person is considered obese.

At the same time, the number of adults saying they were physically active rose to 41 percent from 37 percent, Statistics Canada said.

Art Salmon of the Canadian Physical Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute said obesity has been increasing since the mid-1980s.

``The reality is that we're getting heavier and heavier and heavier,'' Salmon said. ``This is only going to continue unless we become more physically active and curb our appetite for fast, convenient, high-calorie food.''

According to Statistics Canada, the increase in obesity is greater among men than women, and more pronounced in rural areas than in cities. One population group — young women — reported a slight decline in obesity.
 

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