This is What BMI Looks Like Across Canada

Posted by Kate Palbom on April 4, 2019

Reports about which countries and cities are the thinnest (and the biggest) are always swirling in the news cycle. And in Canada, we’re keeping track too. Through surveys, Statistics Canada is capturing data from coast to coast to coast about Canadians’ activity levels and their Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is calculated using an individual’s weight relative to their height to determine if one is underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese. However, it is important to note that it doesn’t actually measure fat or consider where and how fat is distributed in the body. 

According to Statistics Canada it “may not work as intended for certain groups of people, including those who are still growing, very lean, very muscular, very tall, or very short, as well as for certain ethnic and racial groups.” Based on the latest data, here's a snapshot of our bodies based on province across our home and native land.

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    British Columbia: 20%

    Where oceans and mountains meet you’ll find the province with the lowest obesity rates in all the land. The national average is 24% obese and British Columbians are below that national average at 20%. This is due to its proximity to Vancouver, as obesity rates are typically lower in urban centres.

    RELATED: 20 Stunning landscapes you won't believe are in Canada.
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    Quebec City: 22%

    La belle province with its wonderful culture, food, history and people has Canada’s second lowest rates of obesity and falls under the national average at 22%.

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    Ontario: 24%

    Holding in step with national averages, Ontario also has a lower prevalence of obesity. According to Stats Canada, this is the result of lower obesity rates typically found in urban centres like Toronto and their surrounding municipalities due to access to social and recreational activities.
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    Alberta: 24%

    Where the Rocky Mountain begins and the Calgary Stampede is an annual affair, obesity rates average out and level-off. Albertans bodies were found to be on par with national averages of about 24%.
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    Manitoba: 27%

    In the province where you can visit the Museum of Human Rights and the see the dancing Northern Lights, Manitoba’s expansive wilderness includes Hudson Bay and 80 National Parks. Residents’ self-reported body information provided to Statistics Canada came out at 27%, which is above the national average obesity rates.
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    Saskatchewan: 31%

    Next on the list at 31% is the expansive prairie province of Saskatchewan where the fields stretch out as far as the eye can see. The BMI is higher here.
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    Nova Scotia: 32%

    Historic Pier 21, the picturesque Bay of Fundy and Peggy’s Cove make Nova Scotia a unique and compelling place to take in the salty ocean air and appreciate natural beauty. Canadians in this maritime province have obesity rates reported at 32%.
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    Prince Edward Island: 32%

    Canadians with incredible views of the ocean from stunning red sand beaches provided data that indicates the island province’s obesity rate is 32%, which mirrors those in neighbouring PEI.
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    New Brunswick: 33%

    The East Coast province known for festivals and hospitality, New Brunswick, has the second highest obesity rate at 33%.
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    Newfoundland and Labrador: 35%

    Self-reported data collected from the great and wonderful people of Newfoundland and Labrador found that obesity rates were 35%.

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