It appears the majority of Albertans might be struggling with a bit of a weight problem.
A new report from the Health Quality Council of Alberta (HQCA) finds six out of 10 Albertans are overweight or obese — compared to five in 10 Canadians who measure the same.
That puts Albertans 3.7 per cent higher than the national average, and, in turn, at "an increased risk of chronic disease and more frequent use of healthcare services," Dr. Tony Fields, board chair at HQCA, said in a press release.
In 2014, the HQCA polled more than 4,400 Albertans about their use and satisfaction with healthcare services, also asking them to report their height and weight.
The body mass index (BMI) was then calculated for each respondent, and the study found that 35.2 per cent surveyed were overweight and 23.9 per cent were obese.
Men, those aged 45-64, and people who live in Northern Alberta were at greatest risk, the study found.
The study also determined that the lowest rates of obesity occur in the major cities of Calgary and Edmonton, while obesity is more common in the north and south Alberta Health Services zones.
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Overweight and Obese Albertans: The Facts
According to the HCQA, being overweight and obese is associated with an increased risk of multiple chronic conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and chronic pain.
As well, overweight and obese individuals put more strain on the health care system and report having a lower quality of life.
The report recommended an evaluation of weight management strategies in Alberta to develop a more unified strategy across the province.
