A chronic disease recognized by the WHO
Obesity is defined as an excess of body fat resulting in a significant increase in weight. A person with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 is considered obese. This disease can have negative effects on the health and well-being of the individual. Since 1997, it has been recognized as a chronic disease by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The number of overweight people has tripled
Globally, according to the WHO, more than 1.9 billion adults (or 26%) were overweight and, among them, there were 650 million obese (9%). These numbers have almost tripled since 1975!
The number of obese Quebecers has doubled
Similar findings in Quebec, where the prevalence of adult obesity has doubled over the past 25 years. In 2013, according to health authorities, it affected 20% of Quebec men and 16% of Quebec women. Despite a relative stabilization, the projections of the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ) are very worrying.
By 2030, no less than one in four men and one in five women could be affected by this disease in Quebec.
A global epidemic increasingly affecting young people in Canada
In Canada, in 1978/79, 23% of children aged 2-17 were overweight or obese. In 2004 the rate went up to 35% however the rate went slightly down in 2017 with a 30 % rate. Being overweight puts children at greater risk of chronic diseases and health conditions such as asthma, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
A complex multifactor disease
The rise in the rate of overweight in recent decades is undoubtedly explained by changes in our lifestyle. Bad eating habits, lack of physical exercise due to sedentary work, cars and television, stress and sleep disorders caused by work and technology are the most pointed culprits. But especially important genetic factors are also at play. In reality, obesity is a complex multifactor disease.
Sources :
Recommandations et cibles potentielles relatives à la Prévention et à la prise en charge de l’obésité tout au long de la Vie, OMS, Août 2021.
Poids santé chez les enfants au Canada, labo de données de l’Agence de la santé publique du Canada.
Taux d’obésité et d’excès de poids juvénile au Canada, Canada.ca
Obésité et surpoids, OMS, octobre 2017.
Indicateurs synthèses sur l’obésité, INSPQ, modifié le 4 avril 2017.
Embonpoint et obésité chez les enfants au Canada, Santé publique Canada, 2017.
Health-Related Quality of Life of Severely Obese Children and Adolescents, JAMA, avril 2003.
Chirurgie bariatrique et santé mentale, Obésité Canada, Mars 2021.
Les conséquences économiques associées à l’obésité et à l’embonpoint au Québec : les coûts liés à l’hospitalisation et aux consultations médicales, INSPQ, mise à jour 2016.
Le poids économique de l’obésité, Radio-Canada, octobre 2015.