Statistics

Childhood overweight and obesity rates are rising in Canada. Obesity rates in children have almost tripled in the last 25 years. Approximately 26% of Canadian children ages 2-17 years old are currently overweight or obese

Obesity rates continue to increase into adulthood.

• Approximately 1/3 of normal weight 20 year olds will become overweight within 8 years
• Approximately 1/3 of overweight 20 year olds will become obese within 8 years

If this trend continues, in 20 years we can expect 70% of the 35 -44 year olds in Canada to be overweight or obese vs. 57% who are currently overweight or obese.

There are significant economic costs for Canada as a result of obesity. Direct and indirect costs associated with obesity in 2001 were estimated at $4.3 billion. (Katzmarzyk and Janssen, 2004)