Childhood Obesity, Activity and Health

The World Health Organization states that “we are the first generation whose children’s life expectancy will not be as long as their parents.”

The Problem:

Global rates of childhood obesity have increased 5 times over the past decade.
Canadian rates of obesity for both boys and girls have doubled over the past 15 years.
Over 1 in 3 children in Canada is overweight or obese.
80% of overweight or obese children may remain overweight or obese into adulthood.
The persistence of childhood overweight and obesity into adulthood significantly increases the risks of diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

The basic cause of obesity: Body fat is stored when the amount of calories consumed exceeds those that are expended (through basic metabolism combined with activity).
The overall causes of obesity: Lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, sedentary lifestyles, and/or genetics.
57% of Canadian children do not achieve Health Canada’s recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity.
3 out of 5 youth under 17 need to make serious lifestyle changes and adopt more “active habits” in order to encourage optimal growth and development.

A balance in intake and output is required to maintain a healthy weight.
Ensuring balance through physical activity and healthy eating, supported by media literacy.