An eight-year survey conducted by Statistics Canada has concluded that Canada’s obesity problem is getting worse. The National Population Health Survey on Obesity surveyed 11,000 Canadians aged 20 to 56 between 1994 and 2003. Based on the findings in the survey, the study concluded that in that time period 1.1 million Canadian adults went from overweight to obese.

According to a report released Wednesday April 6 by the Association for Canadian Studies, 48 percent of Canadian adults are overweight. Almost 15 percent are obese. Their report was based on 2003 figures from Statistics Canada.

Dr. Richard Stanwick, chief medical health officer for Vancouver Island warned that the epidemic means Canadians will have “a life expectancy that is shorter” and endure “more problems and less pleasant outcomes” than their parents.

Empowered Nutrition Systems believes that the key to battling this growing epidemic is through exercise, nutrition and education. That’s why we’ve partnered up with fitness clubs and personal trainers to educate, inform and inspire people to live healthier, more productive and longer lives.

Read the CBC story about the survey here.