Obesity figures are rising in Canada

Delivering high patient outcomes across the US and Canada, Renew Bariatrics works with patients who seek alternatives to rising healthcare costs.

Rising obesity figures in the country has led to a sharp rise in bariatric surgeries, where patients can wait up to five years for treatment, but is only available in nine provinces in Canada.

Renew Bariatrics has consequently released an infographic, detailing how obesity levels are rising in country.

The Canadian Obesity Network has stated that there is insufficient support in providing essential treatment, leading these figures to continually rise.

Over 1.5 million Canadians suffer with rising obesity levels, with one in three children under this umbrella. This impacts on individual health, increases healthcare costs across the board, and leads to 61-74% of diabetes type 2 causes.

In 2014, 14,222,521 Canadian’s (54% of the population) over 18 has been self-reported as overweight, according to the study, which is an increase of over 15% since 2003.

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The surprising statistic has led the Government of Canada’s ambition and investment of $3.1 million to tackle this issue, and encourage families to look at their current lifestyle, with the aim to introduce physical activity for increased physical and mental wellbeing, as well as everyday routines and eating plans. The rise of fast food, especially which caters to young children is startling and an increased concern for parents.

With an overall population of 36,664,582 and rising, Canada houses only 40 Canadian physicians who have formal training to address weight management, according to the study.

With limited availability and soaring healthcare costs, essential treatment is placed out of reach for ordinary families. Additionally, access to medication is limited, with only two anti-obesity drugs which are available in the region, which are not covered by current healthcare plans across the board.