Obesity Rates

Definition

Body mass index (BMI) is a measure used to compare people according to height and weight. Obesity Rates demonstrates the percentage of the population (18 years and over) that is obese according to their BMI.

Why This Matters

Obesity is a significant health risk factor for chronic conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and a greater risk of premature mortality.

Measurement and Limitations

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure used to compare individuals according to their height and weight. BMI is calculated from self-reported height and weight data for people over the age of 18 in the Canadian Community Health Survey.

The BMI is calculated as weight (in kilograms) divided by height (in metres) squared, and typically ranges from 15 to 45. In Peg, we are reporting the percent of the population that is obese. BMI values from 25 to 29 are classified as “overweight,” and values greater than 30 are classified as “obese.”

Data are reported for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA). It should be noted that 2012 data use new boundaries from previous years’ data-the former Churchill Regional Health Authority (RHA) has been integrated into the WRHA. The Churchill RHA has a very small population (approximately 1,000 individuals), but this may have affected the figures somewhat.

Data Source

Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0113-01  Health characteristics, two-year period estimates 

Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0452-01  Health indicators, two-year period estimates 

Data is updated on Peg as it becomes available from the data providers.

References

Manitoba Centre for Public Health. (2009). Manitoba RHA indicators atlas 2009. Retrieved from http://mchp-appserv.cpe.umanitoba.ca/reference/RHA_Atlas_Report.pdf

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2011). Obesity in Canada: A joint report from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Institute for Health Information. Retrieved from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-ps/hl-mvs/oic-oac/assets/pdf/oic-oac-eng.pdf

Statistics Canada. (n.d.). Table 13-10-0113-01 (formerly CANSIM 105-0509): Health characteristics, two-year period estimates. Retrieved from https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/cv.action?pid=1310011301

 
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Obesity Rates in the Sustainable Development Goals

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2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

It is time to rethink how we grow, share and consume our food.

If done right, agriculture, forestry and fisheries can provide nutritious food for all and generate decent incomes, while supporting people-centred rural development and protecting the environment.

Right now, our soils, freshwater, oceans, forests and biodiversity are being rapidly degraded. Climate change is putting even more pressure on the resources we depend on, increasing risks associated with disasters such as droughts and floods. Many rural women and men can no longer make ends meet on their land, forcing them to migrate to cities in search of opportunities.

A profound change of the global food and agriculture system is needed if we are to nourish today’s 815 million hungry and the additional 2 billion people expected by 2050.

The food and agriculture sector offers key solutions for development, and is central for hunger and poverty eradication.

Related Obesity Rates Targets

2.1

By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round

3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

Ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being for all at all ages is essential to sustainable development. Significant strides have been made in increasing life expectancy and reducing some of the common killers associated with child and maternal mortality. Major progress has been made on increasing access to clean water and sanitation, reducing malaria, tuberculosis, polio and the spread of HIV/AIDS. However, many more efforts are needed to fully eradicate a wide range of diseases and address many different persistent and emerging health issues.

Related Obesity Rates Targets

3.4

By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being