obesity in canada: stats, impact and resources (2026 update)
7 minute read
science has shown that genes account for 25 per cent of the predisposition to be overweight for some people, while for others the genetic influence is as high as 70 to 80 per cent.
getty images
stay up to date on this topic
over 10.6 million canadians are currently living with obesity. that number, which represents roughly one-third of the population, includes both adults and children under 17.
while the understanding of obesity as a chronic disease continues to shed light on the complexities of its development, obesity rates in canada continue to grow.
quick facts about obesity:
adult prevalence:
child prevalence:
annual economic cost:
key risk factors:
- lifestyle (diet, exercise, stress, physical activity, sleep)
- medical and genetic (medical conditions such as cushing’s, hypothyroidism, and pcos, genetic predisposition, medications such as steroids, antidepressants, and diabetes medications)
- environmental and socioeconomic (availability of unhealthy, inexpensive food, social or cultural influences on eating and food, access to healthy food and safe places to exercise)
what is the current rate of obesity in canada?
obesity rates in canada have continued to rise over the last two decades. the most recent data available has found that from 2002 to 2023, obesity rates rose from 21 per cent to over 30 per cent in canadian adults.
in canadian children, however, obesity rates have declined since 2004, going from 35 per cent in 2004 to 29 per cent in 2025.
living with obesity can put people at a greater risk of developing:
- cardiovascular disease
- asthma
- type 2 diabetes
the obesity and type 2 diabetes link is particularly strong. a nationwide study released in 2023 notes that living with obesity in childhood is a determining factor in the 60 per cent increase in type 2 diabetes among canadian children over the last decade.
children living with obesity may also experience an increased risk of:
- hypertension
- dysglycemia
- dyslipidemia
- systemic inflammation
sponsored by:
obesity matters
advertisement
all of these effects that can occur in children living with obesity can also contribute to increased cardiovascular disease risk in adulthood if obesity is left untreated, as obesity is a chronic disease that needs long-term management, which includes a multi-faceted approach to lifestyle and interventions.
obesity rate in canada by geographical location
rural canada tends to have higher rates of obesity than urban centres in many provinces, with the average obesity rates in these areas being 31.4 per cent.
among rural areas, newfoundland and labrador and the northwest territories have the highest obesity rates, whereas british columbia and quebec have the lowest. in urban areas in canada, obesity rates are highest in nunavut and the northwest territories and lowest in british columbia and quebec.
newfoundland and labrador
- rural obesity rate: 43.6 per cent
- urban obesity rate: 38.1 per cent
prince edward island
- rural obesity rate: 35.6 per cent
- urban obesity rate: 28.8 per cent
nova scotia
- rural obesity rate: 34.4 per cent
- urban obesity rate: 33.4 per cent
new brunswick
- rural obesity rate: 37.1 per cent
- urban obesity rate: 36.5 per cent
quebec
- rural obesity rate: 27.3 per cent
- urban obesity rate: 24.2 per cent
ontario
- rural obesity rate: 31.1 per cent
- urban obesity rate: 25.4 per cent
manitoba
- rural obesity rate: 36.1 per cent
- urban obesity rate: 28.7 per cent
saskatchewan
- rural obesity rate: 38.4 per cent
- urban obesity rate: 31 per cent
alberta
- rural obesity rate: 33 per cent
- urban obesity rate: 28 per cent
british columbia
- rural obesity rate: 25.3 per cent
- urban obesity rate: 21.7 per cent
yukon
- rural obesity rate: 37.5 per cent
- urban obesity rate: 32.7 per cent
northwest territories
- rural obesity rate: 41.2 per cent
- urban obesity rate: 41.3 per cent
nunavut
advertisement
- rural obesity rate: 29.7 per cent
- urban obesity rate: 42 per cent
myths about lifestyle, diet and obesity
the outdated notion that people in larger bodies weigh more because of laziness is outdated, as science has proven that genetics has a 25 to 80 per cent influence on the predisposition to develop obesity or overweight.
as well, many canadians fail to get the recommended amount of exercise, but not all of those people develop obesity, according to data from the canadian health measures survey:
- only 45 per cent of canadians meet or exceed the recommended 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
- men are more likely to meet those guidelines in all age groups
- young adults between 18 and 34 are more likely to be active
- in young adults, 65 per cent of men and 53 per cent of women meet or exceed the recommended guidelines for physical activity
- physical activity rates decline with age, with 25 per cent of men and 21 per cent of women over 65 meeting those recommendations
the food one eats plays a role in the development of obesity, but not necessarily in the way many people think. in canada, diet is related to food in several ways:
- ultra-processed food products (upf): the canadian food supply is high in upfs, with approximately 275 kg sold in 2016.
- food environment and access: low-income neighbourhoods often consume foods that are less nutritious due to a lack of access and affordability, while having an abundance of fast food and inexpensive, unhealthy foods available. this most notably affects women more than men.
- food scarcity: higher rates of obesity are found in lower-income households because many people rely heavily on calorie-dense options that stave off hunger as opposed to more costly, healthy and well-rounded meal plans. experiencing food scarcity as a child also increases the risk of developing overweight or obesity later in life.
- marketing and advertising in the food industry: foods high in sugar, fat, and sodium are often marketed heavily and target children and young people, influencing food choices depending on a person’s environmental exposure to these targeted ads.
advertisement
culture, family and obesity
both culture and family also play a role in the development of obesity, with children often emulating lifestyle patterns they grow up with. that can involve:
- dietary habits: meal routines are established in childhood, with family dinner times being more associated with healthier eating patterns.
- parental influence: children often emulate their parents while growing up, and their dietary choices can be influenced in both negative and positive ways. a high body mass index (bmi) in a parent may also increase the risk of a child developing obesity as well, both for social and genetic reasons.
- family structure: children growing up in a two-parent household are less likely to develop obesity than those with a one-parent household or those living with other guardians.
- dietary acculturation: people who immigrate to canada from non-western countries are often found to have a lower risk of obesity until they adopt western dietary patterns.
- cultural judgements on body weight: thinness can be associated with either health or poverty and malnourishment, depending on the culture. some cultures see larger bodies as a sign of better success and health, which can influence the development of obesity.
- social and cultural norms: food and cultural celebrations often go hand in hand, which can contribute to increased caloric intake when combined with a modern western diet of convenience foods.
people from certain cultural backgrounds are also more likely to develop obesity, such as those from asian, east indian, african-american, native american, and mexican backgrounds.
financial impact of obesity in canada
the latest data produced by an economic analysis by obesity canada in 2023 looked at the financial burden of untreated obesity on both the healthcare system and the workplace. it found that:
advertisement
- untreated obesity costs over $27 billion annually
- the healthcare system costs alone sit at roughly $5.9 billion, associated with more doctor visits and care needs
- $639 million of that overall cost is due to obesity-related diseases requiring long-term care in older canadian adults
indirect healthcare costs account for the most obesity-related costs and include workplace absenteeism, premature deaths, and obesity-related disability. the total indirect cost of obesity in canada is $21.7 billion.
mental health and obesity
people living with obesity are more likely to develop mental health disorders than those who fall into the healthy weight category due to several factors, including:
- weight stigma
- discrimination
- low-self esteem
- increased feelings of unhappiness
- poor body image
for example, adults with obesity are 11 per cent more likely to develop depression than those who are living with overweight or those at a healthy weight. other mental health conditions that people living with obesity are more likely to develop include:
- social phobias
- suicidal ideation
- panic attacks
- anxiety
resources and support for obesity in canada
the leading associations representing obesity are:
- obesity canada provides information to learn more about the disease, risk factors, potential treatment paths and research.
- obesity matters focuses on the health and well-being of people with obesity and building community. it offers free webinars and support groups that provide access to top professionals and healthcare providers.
connecting with organizations can help people and their families cope with the diagnosis of obesity and how to navigate care. there’s a lot to learn about medication, nutrition, exercise, mental health support and treatment options. while each person’s condition and experience are unique, people who participate in support groups and outreach programs find a sense of belonging and understanding.
advertisement
sharing experiences with people who know first-hand the challenges and stigma surrounding obesity can help people feel supported and less alone in their journey. they can take away valuable information and friendship.
research has made significant progress in pharmacology treatments, understanding the causes underlying obesity and the increased risk of co-morbidities like heart disease, osteoarthritis and type 2 diabetes, there is still work to be done. all patients need access to proper care and treatment —and deserve to live without judgement and weight discrimination.
frequently asked questions
is obesity considered a disease in canada?
yes, obesity is considered a disease in canada. while obesity stigma still exists, more people are understanding the complexities of obesity in a way that pushes the science forward.
what percentage of canadians have obesity?
roughly 9.7 per cent of canadians are currently living with diagnosed obesity. however, that number is thought to be higher at 10 to 14 per cent when including undiagnosed cases.
are obesity rates rising in canada?
yes, obesity rates are rising in canada, with children and youth cases increasing at the most significant rate.
this article was originally published january 7, 2025 and updated january 9, 2026.
share story
