Canadians Are at Risk of Health Problems

Canadians were less overweight in 1981 than they were in 2009. Obesity rose up in both adults and teens. Watch out, Canada! You’re at risk!

Statistics Canada conducted a fitness survey compiling body measurements, musculoskeletal fitness, cardio-respiratory fitness, and blood pressure. Data were collected since March 2007 until February 2009 coming from people aged from six to 79 years old.

For adult Canadians mean scores for flexibility, aerobic fitness, muscular strength, and muscular endurance declined at older ages. Also, waist circumference, skin fold measurements, BMI, and waist-to-hip ratio increased. Due to suboptimal fitness levels, Canadians adults face health risks.

There’s no good news for children either: sedentary behaviors and childhood obesity have increased. However, teens aged 15 to 19 years have better body composition and aerobic fitness indicators than 20 to 39 years adults. Fitness decline can bring higher health care costs, loss of future productivity, and accelerated chronic disease development.

Fitness is very important for health, the main benefits being it reduces risk of heart attack or stroke. Aged adults who exercise on a regular basis might feel younger and more active. Since fitness keeps the body healthy, it also makes life more enjoyable.