Canada has been fighting a significant obesity issue. In a global study by Wisevoter, Canada is among 25 countries with the highest obesity rates. Recently, the Minister of Health released a statement on World Obesity Day, discussing how the issue has become a public health concern. It was also stated that almost two out of three adults are dealing with obesity, while the statistics for children were one out of three.
What is causing Canadian obesity?
A study by the Canadian Medical Association concludes that the primary cause of the crisis is rooted in changes in the environment as experienced by Canadians. These changes can include new jobs, moving homes, and other high-stress situations that alter a person’s routine. In many cases, these affect their eating and physical activity for the worse. However, it is also notable that genetics, biology, and disease play a role in weight gain. These same factors make it difficult for obese individuals to lose weight, as weight loss is not merely about diet or exercise.
While it is common to believe that weight discrimination motivates obese individuals to lose weight, the opposite is what rings true. Presenters at the Canadian Obesity Summit state that weight-shaming increases the chance of gaining weight as stress hormones rise, self-control drops, and the risk of binge eating increases. As such, weight stigma contributes to worsening obesity problems and is an additional barrier to effective weight management. That said, Canadians have been making continuous efforts to find solutions that will address and prevent obesity.
Government programs
A prominent program established by the Canadian government is Obesity Canada—which has been advocating the creation of a national obesity strategy for over 17 years. The efforts in this strategy include, but are not limited to, providing obesity education to healthcare professionals, raising awareness to reduce obesity stigma, developing evidence-based obesity care, and improving access to obesity care. Another program is The Healthy Canadians and Communities, wherein the Public Health Agency of Canada funds various community-based initiatives. These aid families in adopting and maintaining healthy behaviors to prevent chronic diseases. Participating and donating to these causes is simple, easy, and one of the leading ways Canadians are helping combat the issue of obesity.
Weight loss workshops
Besides the aforementioned government programs, many Canadians are turning to individual initiatives catering to their needs and preferences. Among the most prominent ones are weight loss programs. Given that recent surveys show 42% of Canadians want to lose weight, such programs are becoming more accessible, with people being presented with various options by simply typing keywords like “weight loss workshops near me” into search engines. These workshops often come in the form of in-person physical activity and nutritional counseling. Even when workshops aren’t available nearby, some organizations have already established virtual seminars. Through these, participants can select their own coaches, participate according to their schedule, or join peer groups and meet people similarly trying to achieve weight loss. This active weight-loss effort is an integral part of fighting obesity among Canadians as it also promotes solidarity among like-minded people dealing with the same issue.
Fitness programs
Another individual initiative that serves as a way to combat obesity is through fitness programs. According to recent statistics, 6,587 gyms across Canada have over 6.18 million members. Moreover, Canadians access can access free fitness programs in their local communities. Case in point: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada recently funded bi-weekly fitness classes for newcomers to the area, where they can meet other people and better integrate into the community. Signing up for these fitness programs not only challenges participants to improve their overall health and socialize with others, but it is also an excellent method for weight management, as consistency in exercise goes a long way to fighting obesity.
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