Quebeckers more likely to "monitor" their diet than to "go on a diet"
Perception
Recently released survey data from Ipsos Reid* suggest that 51% of Canadians consider themselves overweight, 5% underweight and 44% “about right”.
Residents of Quebec stand out with the greatest percentage
describing their weight as “just right”.
Reality
Statistics Canada provides data on the Body mass index (BMI) based on self-reported height and weight (excluding pregnant females) for 2005.
Underweight BMI - under 18.5
Normal weight BMI - 18.5 to 24.9
Overweight BMI – 25.0 to 29.9
Obese BMI – 30.0 or higher
Quebec is the province with the greatest proportion of its population within the normal BMI range.
Canada 46%
Newfoundland and Labrador 32.4%
Prince Edward Island 39.4%
Nova Scotia 39.8%
New Brunswick 36.8%
Quebec 49.7%
Ontario 45.8%
Manitoba 40.1%
Saskatchewan 40.0%
Alberta 44%
British Columbia 49.2%
Before you conclude that Quebeckers are more likely to be on “diets” to control their weight, read on.
PMB 2008 asked Canadians if they control their diet or are on a weight management plan. Quebeckers were significantly more likely to say yes. 17.5% (121 index) compared with 13.7% (94 index) in English Canada.
However, a closer look at the “treatments” used to control weight suggests Quebeckers just eat smarter by monitoring their diet and following the advice of nutritionists.
Diet Control/Weight Management Treatments
(INDEX)
- Diet Pills
French Quebec (62)
English Canada (110)
- Exercise
French Quebec (94)
English Canada (100)
- Meal Replacements
French Quebec (61)
English Canada (108)
- Monitor Diet
French Quebec (185)
English Canada (80)
- Nutritionist
French Quebec (153)
English Canada (87)
- Weight Control Centre
French Quebec (73)
English Canada (107)
*Ipsos Reid poll conducted online on behalf of Canwest News
Service and Global National from July 17 to July 21, 2008 among 1022 Canadians.
Photograph by Karen Kasmauski
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