Progress status
Substantial progress
Substantial progress

Sub-categories

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The table below contains more information regarding the indicator.

Indicator name

Percentage of the population that is overweight or obese
Target

No specific target
Indicator description

This indicator measures the percentage of the population that is overweight or obese. The indicator uses the body mass index (BMI) which is calculated by dividing the respondent’s body weight (in kilograms) by their height (in metres) squared.
Geographical coverage

Canada
Unit of measurement

Percentage
Calculations

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Health Canada guidelines, the index for body weight classification for the population aged 18 and older is:
- less than 18.50 (underweight);
- 18.50 to 24.99 (normal weight);
- 25.00 to 29.99 (overweight);
- 30.00 to 34.99 (obese, class I);
- 35.00 to 39.99 (obese, class II);
- 40.00 or greater (obese, class III).

The population aged 5 to 17 is classified as 'overweight' or 'obese' according to age and sex specific cut-off points defined by the World Health Organization.
Comments and limitations

Data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey are collected over a two-year period from a sample of approximately 5,700 respondents. Pregnant women are excluded.
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