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    Canada Year Book

    2010

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    Obesity is on the rise in the workforce

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    The obesity rate has steadily increased in the workforce.

    Based on self-assessed height and weight, it has risen from 12% in the mid-1990s to 16% in 2005, when more than two million employed Canadians aged 18 to 64 were obese—that is, they had a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. Rates are higher when height and weight are actually measured by researchers.

    Obesity is most prevalent among older workers (aged 55 to 64). In 2005, 21% of older workers were obese, up from 17% in 1994/1995. The pattern holds for both men and women, although the prevalence is higher among men.

    Low education is associated with obesity for both sexes. Low income is linked with it among women, whereas high income is linked to obesity among men. Shift work, excessive work hours and elevated work stress are also associated with obesity.

    Chart 17.4 Obesity and overweight rates, employed males and females, 2005
    View data source for chart 17.4

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