OBESITY RATE DOWN FOR FIRST TIME IN 10 YEARS IN B.C.

VICTORIA – A new national health survey shows British Columbia has the lowest self-reported obesity rates in 10 years, along with the lowest rates among provinces in Canada, announced Mary Polak, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport.

“We’re committed to helping British Columbians live healthier, offering the tools that help people make the changes in their lives that can have a tremendous impact on their health,” said Polak. “This is yet another report profiling B.C. as one of the healthiest provinces in Canada, and it shows our plan is working.”

The 2008 Canadian Community Health Survey covers obesity rates in Canadians aged 18 and older. It shows B.C. was the only province to achieve a significant drop in self-reported adult obesity, which decreased by 15 per cent from 12.7 per cent in 2005 to 10.9 per cent in 2007. This is the first considerable decrease since reporting began in 1996. Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island reported the highest self-reported rates at 21 per cent, and throughout Canada, average rates have increased from 11.7 per cent in 1996 to 15.5 per cent in 2007.

“This is encouraging news, and BCHLA supports the government’s efforts through ActNow BC and other initiatives to further lower the province’s obesity rates by helping British Columbians live healthier lives,” said Jean Blake, chair of the BC Healthy Living Alliance and executive director of Canadian Diabetes Association, Pacific.

The self-reported data collection method allows respondents to use confidential questionnaires to record their personal answers to survey questions.

“Obesity is a major risk factor for many chronic illnesses, particularly cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer,” said Dr. Art Hister, a family physician in Vancouver. “When we make everyday choices that include healthy eating and physical activity, we’re taking steps toward reducing obesity.”

In June 2008, the Canadian Community Health Survey released a report that showed B.C. was a leader in three of the four healthy living categories, including a declining obesity rate. The results from both national surveys are supported by the B.C. Wellness Atlas that government released in January 2008, covering a broad range of health and wellness indicators.

ActNow BC, government’s healthy living initiative, is aimed at encouraging British Columbians to eat more healthfully, increase physical activity, eliminate tobacco use and make healthy choices in pregnancy. ActNow BC’s 2008 Road to Health Community Tour interactive exhibit is currently travelling throughout B.C. to promote healthy lifestyle choices and has already brought the message to more than 170,000 British Columbians.

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Media contact:	Anne McKinnon Communications Director Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport 250 952-2387

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