We Are WHERE We Eat

Wednesday, August 23, 2006 03:53 AM

A new report by Statistics Canada indicates Canadians are more likely to have a larger waistline if they live in a smaller community.

The report is called "Regional differences in obesity" and is based on information gathered in 2004.

While the national average for obesity among adults 18 and over was 23%, the rate was lower among the same age group in large urban centres like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. It was the City of Vanxcouver that had the lowest obesity rate with 12%, while Toronto and Mlontreal where the rate was 17%

The study found the rate of obesity in cities similar in size to Prince George with populations of 10,000 to 100,000, to be in the 30% range. In much larger cities, with a population of 100,000 to 2 million, the overall obesity rate was 24%.

There are some who may suggest the larger urban centres have more immigrants who tend not to be obese, but the study took that into account and found that was not a factor.

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Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 03:53 AM in Health by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: QuasiMe on August 23 2006 2:00 PM

Well looking at recent PG residential development, it's easy to identify our car culture... blocks and blocks of new residential development with not sidewalks though, I have seen just this last year that they do seem to be putting sidewalks back in the newest developments... something not seen the past decade or two.

Posted by: Simple Simon on August 23 2006 6:56 PM

I am glad that Tim Hortons are not within walkin' distance of each other. Can you imagine if they were? Chubbo-city.

Posted by: Chester on August 23 2006 8:21 PM

So, has Stats Canada been to Prince George, BC? So they know that we have winter from November to March? That is 5 months each year that many people who are not into winter sports are house bound. That means, less exercise, less sunshine and less activity in general.

Less sunshine has a very negative effect on people who have a tendancy to be affected by depression. So, they don't even feel like doing anything if they could.

Ever watch what an overweight person eats. Huge slurpees, gallons of diet pop daily, potato chips and fancy coffees from Timmy's, Star Bucks and Second Cup. etc.etc. and many other types of junk food that caters to obesity. Compound that with a lack of good healthy, fresh food. And we wonder why our health care system is taxed to the limit.

Studying disease is not the solution. We just need to smarten up with our living habits. Chester