Obesity shortens kids' life spans: Report TheStar.com - News - Obesity shortens kids' life spans: Report

March 27, 2007

Canadian Press

OTTAWA - A report from the Commons health committee says because of child obesity, Canadian kids will, for the first time in recorded history, live shorter lives than their parents.

The report, entitled "Healthy Weight for Healthy Kids," contains staggering numbers, including the fact that 26 per cent of Canadians between the ages of two and 17 are obese.

On reserves, 55 per cent of First Nations children in that age group are considered grossly overweight.

The report says obesity outranks smoking and drinking in its impact on health and costs related to health-care.

Committee chairman Bob Merrifield, Conservative MP for the Alberta riding of Yellowhead, says a survey by the Canadian Medical Association found that only nine per cent of parents identified their children as being overweight or obese.

He says the trend must be reversed by making sure kids eat healthier, low-fat foods and by getting them out there and moving.