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Diet composition and obesity among Canadian adults
Publication: Health Reports 2009:20(4) www.statcan.gc.ca/healthreports
Authors: Kellie Langlois, Didier Garriguet, Leanne Findlay
Data: 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey - Nutrition
This study examines the relationship between dietary composition (fat, carbohydrate, protein and fibre intake) and obesity among Canadian adults. Only plausible energy reporters were included—that is, people whose reported energy intake was credible, given their predicted energy requirements, based on their age, sex, weight, height and physical activity level. In general, extremely low or high energy intakes were excluded.
Prevalence of obesity
Men and women were equally likely to be obese (22%). For both sexes, the prevalence of obesity rose with age, peaking among 45- to 64-year-olds. Prevalence decreased with higher education, greater physical activity, and among women, higher income.
Average daily intakes by obesity status
Obese men consumed significantly more calories, total fat, saturated fat, and monounsaturated fat, but significantly less carbohydrates and fibre than their non-obese counterparts. Obese women consumed significantly more calories and significantly less fibre than non-obese women.
Odds of obesity
Higher energy intake (calories) increased the odds of obesity for both men and women. Higher intakes of fibre were associated with decreased odds of obesity for men only. The relative percentages of fat, carbohydrates and protein in the diet were not associated with obesity in either sex.
The results of this study provide evidence that the number of calories consumed is more important in obesity than is the composition of a diet.
