Obesity Rates
Definition
Percent of the population (18+) who are considered obese based on self-reported body mass index (BMI). BMI is calculated as weight (in kilograms) divided by height (in metres) squared.
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 in the Canadian Community Health Survey.
Body mass index (BMI) is a method of classifying body weight according to health risk. 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 overweight or obese.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Health Canada guidelines, the index for body weight classification for the population aged 18 and older is: less than 18.50 (underweight); 18.50 to 24.99 (normal weight); 25.00 to 29.99 (overweight); 30.00 to 34.99 (obese, class I); 35.00 to 39.99 (obese, class II); 40.00 or greater (obese, class III).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Health Canada guidelines, health risk levels are associated with each of the following BMI categories: normal weight = least health risk; underweight and overweight = increased health risk; obese, class I = high health risk; obese, class II = very high health risk; obese, class III = extremely high health risk.
Body mass index (BMI) is calculated for the population aged 12 and over, excluding pregnant females and persons less than 3 feet (0.914 metres) tall or greater than 6 feet 11 inches (2.108 metres).
A systematic review of the literature concluded that the use of self-reported data among adults underestimates weight and overestimates height, resulting in lower estimates of obesity than those obtained from measured data. Using data from the 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) subsample, where both measured and self-reported height and weight were collected, BMI correction equations have been developed. Data presents obesity estimates adjusted using these equations.
The Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) – Annual, the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) and the 2015 CCHS – Nutrition, all collect height and weight data and derive obesity rates based on Body Mass Index (BMI). Users should take note of the data collection method, the target population and the classification system used by each survey in order to select the appropriate data set.
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 for the CCHS are collected yearly from a sample of approximately 65,000 respondents. The Canadian Health Indicators are tabulated by sex and age group in two main tables. The table 13-10-0096-01 presents the most up-to-date population health estimates for the ten provinces and is updated yearly. The table 13-10-0113-01 presents estimates from two-year combined data and features breakdown by all provinces and territories as well as by health regions. These estimates are less current than annual estimates, but have higher precision given the larger sample (less variability). Users should refer to the annual data table 13-10-0096-01 as the primary source for the most current estimates from the survey as well as to obtain data from previous years (where available). However, where data quality flags indicate suppression (F) or higher variability (E), the two-year data table 13-10-0113-01 should be used. Health regions are administrative areas defined by provincial ministries of health according to provincial legislation. The health regions presented in this table are based on boundaries and names in effect as of 2015. For complete Canadian coverage, each northern territory represents a health region.
2021-2022 data presented for Canada represents all provincial data and does not include territory’s, which are represented by their own health regions.
Due to changes in content and methodology, this table replaces Statistics Canada’s table 13-10-0452-01, which provides data for 2007-2014. As a result of the changes, users should use caution when comparing data from 2007-2014 to data from 2015 onwards.
Data Sources
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 for 2021-2022 is provided by Statistics Canada by custom order.
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
Obesity Rates in the Sustainable Development Goals
Click on the SDG to reveal more information
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
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
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
By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being