• It has become common knowledge that rates of overweight and obesity are increasing at an epidemic rate, not only in North America but around the world. Currently, some 60% of Canadian adults are obese or overweight.

  • Being overweight or obese adds health risks. But how do you know if your weight is in the high-risk zone?

  • About 1 in 4 Canadian adults and nearly 1 in 10 Canadian children are obese. A person's risk of becoming obese is determined by a variety of factors - individually and in combination. Are you at risk of becoming obese? Certain obesity risk factors cannot be controlled, like genetics and ethnicity.

  • Obesity increases the risk of several health conditions that can affect the quality and length of your life. These conditions include diabetes, heart disease, stroke, certain types of cancer, and metabolic syndrome.

  • Most people know that if they are overweight or obese, they must lose weight to get healthy. Some of the health advantages gained from losing 10 kg include lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Additional Resources