CTV News reports that fitness levels in Canada have dropped dramatically in just the past few years.
Canadians were far less fit in 2009 than they were in 1981, according to a sweeping new Statistics Canada survey, which found that obesity rates have sky-rocketed in both teenagers and adults.
Interesting but disturbing news. That’s not ancient history — it’s just a period of 28 years.
Which age groups were affected? All of them:
The survey found decreases in fitness levels to be most pronounced among adults between the ages of 20 and 39.
In the 60 to 69 age group, 65 per cent of women and 52 per cent of men were considered to be at high risk for health problems based on their waist circumference.
The data for youth was just as alarming. The proportion of both teenaged boys and girls who are at risk for health problems based on their waist circumference more than tripled between 1981 and 2009.
It’s not just a matter of appearance. The extra weight is causing serious health problems.
Dr. David Lau is head of Obesity Canada. He shared his concerns:
We’re seeing more and more teenage boys, overweight boys, with all the adult problems such as high blood pressure, high blood fat and cholesterol…
The suspected causes of this dramatic decline? The same things that are causing the worldwide obesity explosion.
First, consumption of foods that are high in calories and low in nutrition. That includes burgers, fries, potato chips and food items filled with sugar and high-fructose corn syrup.
Second, the rise of electronic entertainment — television, internet and video games — that keep people glued to their seat.
The solution is a simple one. Learn to cook. Use fresh ingredients. Turn off the tube. Get off the couch.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20100113/statscan_fitness/20100113?hub=
