Weight is also known as body mass. Body mass can be healthy or unhealthy. Healthy weights vary depending on age, sex, and height. A person who has an unhealthy weight can be classified as overweight, obese, or underweight. Having a healthy weight during childhood adolescence can prevent weight-related diseases and promote overall health and quality of life.[1]
Youth who are overweight or obese |
About the MeasureThis measure is collected from the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph (WDG) Youth Survey that gathers self-reported well-being data from grade 7 and 10 students. To determine Body Mass Index (BMI) classification (i.e., underweight, normal weight, overweight, obese, severely obese), students are asked about their height and weight. The responses are used to calculate a standard BMI. The Dieticians of Canada BMI Chart was used to plot BMI against gender and age to determine BMI classification. Key FindingsThe percentage of youth who are overweight or obese has remained stable between 2014-15 and 2017-18. More males than females were classified as overweight or obese. There were no large differences in BMI classifications between grades. Data by grade, as well as data at the municipal level, can be found in the downloadable Excel file at the bottom of this page.
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Source: WDG Youth Survey, 2014-15 and 2017-18. WDG Report Card Coalition. Last updated August 2, 2018. LimitationsThe WDG Youth Survey collects self-reported data and is subject to response bias. Data from this measure should be interpreted with caution due to non-response bias. Overall, 18% of students surveyed in 2014-15 and 25% of those surveyed in 2017-18 did not complete the height and/or weight questions. BMI could not be determined for those students. The formulas for calculating BMI differ by sex. BMI was not calculated for students who did not identify as male or female. It should be noted that BMI is a proxy measure of body fat since it is a measure of weight, not body fat. Factors such as age, ethnicity, sex, and muscle mass can influence the relationship between BMI and body fat.
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[1] Public Health Agency of Canada. (2011). Healthy living can prevent disease. Ottawa, ON: Public Health Agency of Canada. Available at: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cd-mc/healthy_living-vie_saine-eng.php