Overweight and obesity among children and youth.

Abstract

In 2004, 26% of Canadian children and adolescents aged 2 to 17 were overweight or obese, and 8% were obese. Over the past 25 years, the prevalence of overweight and obesity combined has more than doubled among youth aged 12 to 17, while the prevalence of obesity alone has tripled. Children and youth who ate fruit and vegetables at least five times a day were substantially less likely to be overweight or obese than were those who ate these foods less often. The likelihood of being overweight/obese rose as "screen time" (watching TV, playing video games or using a computer) increased.