This indicator measures the percentage of people who are classified as being obese based on adjusted self-reported weight and height. Obesity is measured using body mass index (BMI), based on adjusted self-reported height and weight. For adults 18 years and older, BMI > 30 is considered obese. The lower percentage is better.

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Public reporting

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Outcome

Because of the significant changes to the survey methodology, Statistics Canada does not recommend making comparisons of the redesigned 2015 cycle of the CCHS with past cycles. In addition, the survey coverage excludes: persons living on reserves and other Aboriginal settlements in the provinces; full-time members of the Canadian Forces; the institutionalized population, children aged 12-17 that are living in foster care, and persons living in the Quebec health regions of Région du Nunavik and Région des Terres-Cries-de-la-Baie-James. Altogether, these exclusions represent less than 3% of the Canadian population aged 12 and over.

BMI is not calculated for pregnant women. Although calculation of BMI is not recommended for lactating women, the index provided here is calculated for women who report that they are breastfeeding. A systematic review of the literature concluded that the use of self-reported data among adults underestimates weight and overestimates height, resulting in lower estimates of obesity than those obtained from measured data. Using data from the 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) subsample, where both measured and self-reported values were collected, correction equations have been developed (Connor Gorber et al. 2008). These correction equations have been successfully applied to both 2005 and 2008 self-reported CCHS data to produce more accurate estimates of obesity (Connor Gorber et al.2008; Shields et al. 2011). Differential musculature or bone bass among individuals, as well as across ethno cultural groups and sexes does not factor into how the BMI is calculated. A major redesign project that was completed and implemented for the 2015 cycle. The objectives of the redesign were to review the sampling methodology, adopt a new sample frame, modernize the content and review the target population. As a result of the redesign, the 2015 CCHS has a new collection strategy, is drawing the sample from two different frames and has undergone major content revisions. With all these factors taken together, caution should be taken when comparing data from previous cycles to data released for the 2015 cycle onwards. Education stratification analysis is restricted to 25 and older. Proportions and ratios are obtained by summing the final weights of records having the characteristic of the numerator and the denominator, and then dividing the first estimate by the second. Please note that the unadjusted self-reported obesity indicator was reported in Measuring Up 2016 and 2017, and the technical specifications for the unadjusted self-reported indicator can be found in the online Technical Appendix associated with the Measuring Up reports.

13/08/2020 10:01:00