Is Canada’s obesity rate catching up to the US?

Happy Victoria Day Canada!

Canada celebrates the first long weekend symbolizing the coming of summer today, and the US getting ready to celebrate it next Monday with the Memorial Day holiday. With the realization that summer is almost here, many people are thinking that they’ve failed again to get in shape in time for summer.

With this realization we need to realize that Canada is catching up to the US with the obesity epidemic that is currently plaguing the entire world. With that information, something has to be done!

Health Canada Statistics show that the number of Canadians who are overweight or obese has increased dramatically over the past 25 years.

The proportion of obese children has nearly tripled in the last 25 years. As well, more than half of Canadian children and youth are not active enough for optimal growth and development.

So what are Canada’s 'fattest' cities?

St. Catharines, Ontario has been ranked Canada's fattest city with a whopping 57.3 per cent of its residents overweight, according to an analysis by Statistics Canada commissioned by CTV and The Globe and Mail.

Here are the top 10 fattest Canadian cities:
1. St. Catharines: 57.3 per cent
2. Regina: 56.5
3. Saint John: 56.4
4. Windsor: 52.8
5. London: 53.6
6. Charlottetown: 52.7
7. Saskatoon: 51.9
8. Winnipeg: 51.8

9. Fredericton: 51.8

10. St. John's: 51.4

Almost half of Canadians have a weight problem, and many of them don’t fully understand the severe health consequences that await them.

If you are overweight or obese, you may be at risk for a wide range of serious diseases and conditions including:

•    hypertension or high blood pressure
•    coronary heart disease
•    Type 2 diabetes
•    stroke
•    gallbladder disease
•    osteoarthritis
•    sleep apnea and other breathing problems
•    some cancers such as breast, colon and endometrial cancer
•    mental health problems, such as low self-esteem and depression.

In rural Canada, the problem is even worse. In rural Saskatchewan more than two of every three adults are overweight.

PEI THE FATTEST

By province, Prince Edward Island is ranked the fattest province, with nearly 60 per cent of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 considered overweight. Newfoundland is second at 58.9 per cent, followed by New Brunswick at 58.3 per cent. Saskatchewan isn't far behind at 57.9 per cent.

Where do the fittest people live in Canada?

Vancouver has been ranked the lowest out of all Canadian cities, with only 12 per cent of their population suffering from obesity. Way to go Vancouver for being the fittest city in Canada!

The statistics are no doubt shocking, and we know there is a necessity for change. Carrying extra fat around your tummy, bum, or thighs is more than just a nuisance - it’s a serious health hazard for many Canadians.