Almericans
Albertans more obese and overweight than national average: report
Six out of 10 adult Albertans are overweight or obese, compared to five out of 10 Canadians, says a new report from the Health Quality Council of Alberta.
The council conducted the survey of 4,424 people in 2014, in which adults self-reported their height and weight to calculate their body mass index, and answered questions about their use and satisfaction with health care services.
The study found 35 per cent of respondents were overweight and 24 per cent were obese. Men between the ages of 45 and 64 and people living in the northern Alberta were more likely to be obese or overweight.
“The rise in obesity is a worldwide public health issue, and is associated with an increased risk of chronic disease and more frequent use of health care services,” Dr. Tony Fields, board chairman for the Health Quality Council of Alberta, said in a news release.
People living in Edmonton and surrounding communities, and Calgary and surrounding communities, reported the lowest rates of obesity.
People surveyed who were overweight or obese reported using the health care system for “more serious and ongoing issues,” and said they had a lower quality of life.
Managing overweight and obese people falls mainly on primary health care providers, the report found.
Primary care providers “are the appropriate access point for people to have those conversations to get the help that they need,” said Andrew Neuner, CEO of the Health Quality Council of Alberta.
“They have a particular interest in promotion and prevention and keeping people healthy, and they’re well connected to the resources in communities,” he said.
The province should evaluate existing weight-management strategies and work toward a “more unified strategy” for weight management, the report found.
Extra weight is associated with an increased risk of multiple chronic conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and chronic pain.
The council, which works with both Alberta Health, Alberta Health Services and health professionals, is designed to promote and improve patient safety and health service quality.
Albertans more obese and overweight than national average: report
Albertans more obese and overweight than national average: report
Six out of 10 adult Albertans are overweight or obese, compared to five out of 10 Canadians, says a new report from the Health Quality Council of Alberta.
The council conducted the survey of 4,424 people in 2014, in which adults self-reported their height and weight to calculate their body mass index, and answered questions about their use and satisfaction with health care services.
The study found 35 per cent of respondents were overweight and 24 per cent were obese. Men between the ages of 45 and 64 and people living in the northern Alberta were more likely to be obese or overweight.
“The rise in obesity is a worldwide public health issue, and is associated with an increased risk of chronic disease and more frequent use of health care services,” Dr. Tony Fields, board chairman for the Health Quality Council of Alberta, said in a news release.
People living in Edmonton and surrounding communities, and Calgary and surrounding communities, reported the lowest rates of obesity.
People surveyed who were overweight or obese reported using the health care system for “more serious and ongoing issues,” and said they had a lower quality of life.
Managing overweight and obese people falls mainly on primary health care providers, the report found.
Primary care providers “are the appropriate access point for people to have those conversations to get the help that they need,” said Andrew Neuner, CEO of the Health Quality Council of Alberta.
“They have a particular interest in promotion and prevention and keeping people healthy, and they’re well connected to the resources in communities,” he said.
The province should evaluate existing weight-management strategies and work toward a “more unified strategy” for weight management, the report found.
Extra weight is associated with an increased risk of multiple chronic conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and chronic pain.
The council, which works with both Alberta Health, Alberta Health Services and health professionals, is designed to promote and improve patient safety and health service quality.
Albertans more obese and overweight than national average: report
