Canadian government announces new research initiative on childhood obesity

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, today announced new initiatives for research on physical activity and childhood obesity through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

"Our Government is committed to helping Canadians become healthier through physical activity, eating well and maintaining a healthy weight," said Minister Aglukkaq. "This research will help more children become physically active and help us in our efforts to curb childhood obesity in Canada."

Over the last 25 years, there has been an alarming rise in the proportion of overweight and obese children. Obesity rates among children and youth have nearly tripled during this period. It is an issue that affects children everywhere in Canada. Like tobacco use, obesity substantially increases the risk of developing some of the most debilitating chronic diseases; obesity contributes to type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. 

"Research plays a key role in developing sound policies and programs," said Dr. Nicole Letourneau, a member of CIHR's Governing Council and the Canada Research Chair in Healthy Child Development at the University of New Brunswick. "The work of the talented researchers leading the projects announced today will support the development of new policies, programs and strategies that promote healthy living."

Minister Aglukkaq also highlighted additional actions the Government of Canada has taken to help Canadian children live healthy lifestyles including:

• The Children's Fitness Tax Credit
• Eat Well and Be Active Toolkit
  The Eat Well and Be Active Educational Toolkit  is a joint project between Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. The Toolkit is designed to help health and education specialists teach children and adults about healthy eating and physical activity, and to encourage them to take action to maintain and improve their health. It includes a poster and downloadable activity plans and healthy eating and physical activity tips. 

• The Nutrition Facts Education Campaign
  The Government of Canada and Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC) are working together on the Nutrition Facts Education Campaign. This campaign gives Canadians the information they need to make informed food choices to maintain and improve their health. The multi-media campaign helps consumers understand and use the information on the Nutrition Facts table, and in particular, the % Daily Value. Using the % Daily Value is a quick way for consumers to know if a packaged food contains a little or a lot of a nutrient. This helps Canadians make healthy food choices for themselves and their families.