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Stats Canada study shows how Canadians are weighing in
June 12, 2014 - A new study from Statistics Canada shows that young people have been tipping the scales in a big way in the past year - and it could be negatively affecting their health.
June 12, 2014 By Massage Therapy Canada staff
The 2013 Canadian Community Health Survey states that one in five youths aged 12 to 17 reported heights and weights that classified them as being overweight or obese.
That means 20.7 per cent of Canadian youths are placed in this category, a number that has remained somewhat stable since 2008 but is still a jump up from the 18.7 per cent reported in 2007.
As for the adult population, 41.9 per cent of men and 27.7 per cent of women clocked in with heights and weights that could classify them as being overweight or obese in 2013.
This number is the same for men as it was in last year’s findings and the rate for women has held stable since 2003.
However, the survey shows that not all hope has been lost, more people were found to be at least moderately active during their leisure time – reporting levels equivalent to a 30-minute daily walk or an hour-long exercise class at least three times a week.
According to the survey, 55.2 per cent of people over the age of 12 reported this type of physical activity, an increase from 53.9 per cent in 2012.
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