6 in 10 Albertans are overweight or obese: study
Posted Jul 29, 2015 10:59 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A new study from the Health Quality Council of Alberta (HQCA) claims the number of obese or overweight people in Alberta is nearly four per cent higher than the national average.
After gathering self-reported data from around the province, the agency estimates about 6 in 10 Albertans fall into the category.
Andrew Neuner, CEO for HQCA, told 660 NEWS reported obesity was higher in northern Alberta.
“Socioeconomic reasons do factor in to it, certainly lifestyle in northern areas is different than what we find in other parts of the province based on the economy and things of that nature,” Nuener said. “In every area of the province there are going to be various contributing factors.”
Men aged 45-64 also reported higher overweight and obesity rates in Alberta.
Nuener said increased risk of chronic conditions like congestive heart failure, diabetes, arthritis or chronic pain end up taking a toll on the province’s primary health system, something everyone pays for with taxes.
“One thing we’re looking for is making it easier for Albertans to get access to the resources that will help them for their unique situation. It is a bit of a challenge for Albertans to find the recourses that they need.”
He said some areas have excellent programs that work well with the local population but he believes the entire province could benefit from an evaluation of new or ongoing weight-management strategies.
Neuner calls obesity a worldwide public health issue that robs people of quality of life and leads to increased risk of chronic conditions.
