Message from the Minister of Health – World Obesity Day 2023

Rising rates of obesity are a significant public health concern in Canada and across the world. In Canada, almost two in three adults and one in three children and youth are overweight or living with obesity and the rates are even higher in population groups experiencing marginalization and inequities. Obesity greatly increases the risk for several chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Rising rates of obesity are a significant public health concern in Canada and across the world. In Canada, almost two in three adults and one in three children and youth are overweight or living with obesity with even higher rates in marginalized and equity-seeking populations. Obesity greatly increases the risk for several chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

This year's World Obesity Day, Changing Perspectives: Let's Talk About Obesity, is an opportunity to better understand the complex nature of obesity and challenge prevailing bias and misconceptions about it. It is also a time to underscore the need for comprehensive and coordinated action across sectors and stakeholders to effectively tackle this complex health issue.

To help reduce stigma, it is important to know that obesity can be caused by a wide range of factors, such as health conditions and the environment.

Obesity stigma is a significant barrier to the health of people living in Canada, including by limiting opportunity, access to services and supports, and social inclusion. In general, bias and stigma contribute to increased morbidity and mortality, independent of weight or body mass index.

Children and youth living with obesity are at a higher risk of developing a variety of health problems on both physical and emotional fronts which are likely to persist into adulthood, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, joint problems, depression, low self-esteem, and negative body image.

The Government of Canada is working with provinces and territories and partners to help children, youth, and families to adopt and maintain healthy behaviours, like physical activity and healthy eating habits. For example, through the Healthy Canadians and Community Fund, the Public Health Agency of Canada is supporting community-based initiatives, including projects supporting young families and their children, to improve overall health and well-being, promote healthy living and help prevent chronic diseases.

We must also acknowledge that the pandemic has made it more challenging for many children and families to engage in healthy, active living due to factors like disrupted routines, online learning contexts, and limited access to activities in the community. As we progress through pandemic recovery, we must keep building supportive communities and try to adopt healthier living behaviours in our daily lives, like regular physical activity, healthy patterns of eating and adequate and quality sleep, to help prevent chronic diseases and other health problems.

Let's all turn our conversations into action by reducing stigma and listening to the stories from people living with obesity. Informed and compassionate dialogue can help change perspectives and help us tackle the rising rates of obesity in a meaningful way.

Useful Resources

• Addressing Stigma: Toward a More Inclusive Health System
• Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs)
• Make your whole day matter
• Physical activity and healthy eating

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P.