There are overweight people living in the heart of the metropolis, and there are skinny thin people living in the country -- but according to a new Statistics Canada report -- you are going to find more obesity in rural areas. Researchers concluded their findings on actual measurements of height and weight, and discovered that the larger the city, the smaller the waistlines. Even those who did not live in an urban area, but commuted to a large city were less likely to have problems with weight.
Researchers suggest that higher obesity rates among rural residents can be attributed to increased reliance on automobiles, less walking activity, and reduced opportunities for exercise as a result of the extended distances to reach recreational facilities.
Regional differences in obesity is one of five articles in the latest issue of Health Reports. The other four reports are Adult obesity; Obesity - a growing issue; Overweight and obesity among children and youth; and Trends in adult obesity. All five reports are available as a 78-page PDF document in the latest issue of Health Reports.
