New Information on Overweight and Obesity Rates Released

New information about overweight and obesity rates in Nova Scotia underscores the need for widespread efforts to address healthy eating and physical activity, especially among children and youth.

Data released by Statistics Canada today, July 6, indicates that 32 per cent of Nova Scotians aged 2-17 are overweight or obese, compared to 26 per cent of Canadians of the same age.

"Now we know exactly how much of a challenge we have," said Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald. "Our priority this year is helping children and youth eat healthier food and become more active. Of course, change won't happen overnight, but we've taken an important step with the creation of Health Promotion and the new programs it has developed."

The new information is considered more accurate than previous numbers because for the first time in 25 years people were actually measured in order to collect the national and provincial data. Previously the only data available was self-reported -- Canadians were asked for their height and weight and the information was used to calculate their body mass index.

Mr. MacDonald said the new numbers show the importance of communities helping their populations lead healthier lives. He urged community groups to look at some of the programs available through Nova Scotia Health Promotion, including the physical activity grants.

Health Promotion is working with a number of partners on various initiatives aimed at reducing overweight and obesity rates. The Department of Education, for example, is an important partner, because young people spend much of their time in schools. Recent initiatives undertaken include:

• the creation of one sport animator's position in each participating school board
• funding for school boards to provide increased access to healthy eating and physical activity
• new support for breakfast programs
• implementation of the provincial school food and nutrition policy in the 2005-06 school year, and
• an additional public health nutritionist per district health authority.

Through the Active Kids, Healthy Kids strategy, thousands of children and youth have been exposed to new opportunities for physical activity in their schools and communities.

Obesity, a chronic condition itself, can also lead to other health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Research has shown that improving nutrition and increasing physical activity can prevent these and many other chronic conditions.

For more information on initiatives to reduce overweight and obesity rates, view the fact sheet on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/ohp .