100 pages Published: May 2009 GeoOrigin: International
The policy approaches and resources within this toolkit represent a collection of current best approaches that have been identified, reviewed and selected by Leadership for Healthy Communities and the 11 policy-maker organizations participating in the program.
A hard copy is also available in the Centre library: Health/Well-Being--Community Health, Report ID #1310.
This booklet, published by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, will help very large people become more physically active. The booklet provides a number of activities, including both weight bearing and non-weight bearing, that can be done at home.
pdf file, 9 pages Published: Nov 2005 GeoOrigin: National
This brief is for city officials, municipal leaders and decision-makers.
To combat the growing rise of obesity in Canada, the brief argues for an integrated and strategic approach to civic policy-making on sport, recreation, physical activity and active transportation.
The brief also focuses on the need for city-based, pan-Canadian leadership to respond to the active city infrastructure deficit and deal with the youth obesity crisis.
Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness and Council on School Health (2006). Active healthy living: Prevention of childhood obesity through increased physical activity. Pediatrics, 117, 1834-1842.
html file, 1 page Published: Aug 2012 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Over a two-year time period (2008 to 2010), students at the 10 participating APPLE schools had higher intakes of fruits and vegetables, lower caloric intakes, were more active and were less likely to be obese. These positive changes in health behaviours were also seen when compared to students elsewhere in the province. Nine of 10 schools implemented nutrition policies, and all 10 schools adopted daily physical activity policies.
The purpose of the paper is to examine whether existing integrated approaches among populations are effective. The authors conducted an extensive review of the literature on integrated approaches to the prevention of excess weight and chronic diseases.
This resource is available in the Centre library: Health/Well-being--Chronic Disease Prevention [filing cabinet], ID #961
Pronk, N.P., Martinson, B., Kessler, R.C., Beck, A.L., Simon, G.E., & Wang, P. (2004). The association between work performance and physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and obesity. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 46, 19-25.
Lee, M. & Paffenbarger, R.S. (2000). Associations of light, moderate, and vigorous intensity physical activity with longevity: The Harvard Alumni Health Study. American Journal of Epidemiology, 151, 293-299.
9 pages Published: Jan 2010 GeoOrigin: International
Jerrett, M., McConnell, R., Chang, C.C.R., Wolch, J., Reynolds, K., Lurmann, F., Gilliland, F., & Berhane, K. (2010). Automobile traffic around the home and attained body mass index: A longitudinal
cohort study of children aged 1018 years. Preventive Medicine, 50, S50S58. doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2009.09.026
PDF file, 2 pages Published: Sep 2009 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article highlights a study that looks at the influence of a walking program and a fitness centre exercise program on the way middle-aged, overweight or obese people feel about their bodies.
PDF file, 2 pages Published: 2003 GeoOrigin: National
This is a quick reference tool for practitioners about body weight classification and the body mass index (BMI). It includes several helpful BMI-related charts.
Downs, S.M., Marshall, D., Ng, C. & Willows, N.D. (2008). Central adiposity and associated lifestyle factors in Cree children. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 33, 476-482.
224 pages Published: 2006 GeoOrigin: International
This issue is a series of research articles that focus on the challenges of combating childhood obesity and the research being done to address it. Volume 16, #1 the Future of Children
This resource is available in the Centre library: Health/Well-being--Obesity, ID #1241
The Childhood Obesity Foundation is a registered charity and a leading Canadian authority on issues related to childhood obesity.
This website is dedicated to educating Canadian children, their families and care givers, educators, business and government about the problem of childhood obesity.
Please tour our website to find out more about the 5-2-1-0 rule as well as what else families, educators, business and government can do to help prevent childhood obesity
This resource guide encourages health care providers in Aboriginal communities to promote healthy lifestyles in Aboriginal communities through physical activity and healthy eating.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Aboriginals, ID #1284
Tudor-Locke, C., Bell, R.C., Myers, A.M., Harris, S.B., Ecclestone, N.A., Lauzon. N., et al. (2004). Controlled outcome evaluation of the First Step Program: A daily physical activity intervention for individuals with Type 2 diabetes. International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders 28, 113-119.
2 pages Published: Jan 2004 GeoOrigin: International
This document highlights the obesity epidemic in the United States. There are statistics on the prevalence of overweight among children and adolescents.
11 pages Published: Sep 2006 GeoOrigin: International
Sugar-sweetened beverages account for a large proportion of added sugar in the diet. A number of studies are examined for the correlation between high-sugar beverages and weight gain.
Veugelers P. & Fitzgerald A. (2005). Effectiveness of School Programs in Preventing Childhood Obesity: A Multilevel Comparison. American Journal of Public Health, 95, 432-435
The European Union (EU) Platform brings together industry associations, consumer groups, health NGOs and political leaders to take voluntary action to reverse the rise in obesity, particularly among children.
pdf file, 2 pages Published: Mar 2010 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article explores the root causes of current health epidemics, such as the rise in obesity, through examining historical trends that have led to an increasingly sedentary society.
This systematic review found that exercise can be used as a weight loss intervention, particularly when combined with dietary change. Exercise is associated with improved cardiovascular disease risk factors (diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides and fasting glucose) even if no weight is lost.
Adult obesity rates continue to rise in America, while government policy efforts are not solving this crisis. Theses reports (2004-2008) outline the issue and recommendations as well as state-specific information on the current obesity rates.
HealthierUS.Gov provides credible, accurate information to help Americans choose to live healthier lives. This major web site links to other American government programs and campaigns providing information about such topics as nutrition and physical activity, diabetes, healthy aging, and obesity.
pdf file, 2 pages Published: Mar 2010 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article highlights a study that assesses physical activity, fitness, body mass index and insulin sensitivity in youth aged 9 to 15 years. The Healthy Hearts research project is a school-based study conducted in seven rural communities in central Alberta.
Kaler, S.N., Ralph-Campbell, K., Pohar, S., King, M., Laboucan, C.R., & Toth, E.L. (2006).High rates of the metabolic syndrome in a First Nations Community in western Canada: prevalence and determinants in adults and children. International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 65, 389-402.
Saris, W.H.M., Blair, S.N., van Baak, M.A., Eaton, S.B., Davies, P.S.W., Di Pietro, L., Fogelholm, M., et al. (2003). How much physical activity is enough to prevent unhealthy weight gain? Outcome of the IASO 1st Stock Conference and consensus statement. Obesity Reviews, 4, 101.
Losing and keeping weight off can be a challenge. Capital Health's Weight Wise program includes a confidential tracking tool to help you set goals and track your progress in becoming more active and eating in a more healthy way.
Calculating your body mass index and measuring your waist circumference before you begin will help you track your improvement. You will also receive helpful information from community leaders on achieving your goals.
In It for the Long Haul is part of Capital Health's Weight Wise program.
pdf file, 12 pages Published: Jan 2004 GeoOrigin: National
There is a connection between excess weight and the incidence of arthritis. This article reports incidence rates of arthritis, based on data for people aged 40 or older who were followed over six years.
McGuire, A.K., & Ross, R. (2011). Incidental Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Are Not Associated With Abdominal Adipose Tissue in Inactive Adults. Obesity, 20, 576-582. doi:10.1038/oby.2011.278
Miller, G.D., Nicklas, B.J.,& Loeser, R.F. (2008). Inflammatory biomarkers and physical function in older, obese adults with knee pain and self-reported osteoarthritis after intensive weight-loss therapy. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society,56, 644-651. doi:10.1111/j.1532-5415.2007.01636.x
8 pages Published: Apr 2009 GeoOrigin: International
Leatherdale,S.T., Manske, S., Wong, S.L. & Cameron, R. (2009). Integrating Research, Policy, and Practice in School-Based Physical Activity Prevention Programming: The School Health Action, Planning, and Evaluation System (SHAPES) Physical Activity Module. Health Promotion Practice, 10, 254-261.
doi:10.1177/1524839906298499
This free, web-based resource is a workplace obesity prevention program. It offers interactive tools and evidence-based resources to design effective workplace obesity prevention and control programs.
One special feature is an obesity cost calculator to estimate how much obesity is costing your company and how much savings your company could reap with different workplace interventions.
pdf file, 4 pages Published: Feb 2005 GeoOrigin: Alberta
High levels of total body fat, especially visceral (waist/hip) fat, lead to an increased risk for Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and other illnesses. This WellSpring issue informs health practitioners about ways to measure body composition (e.g., Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-to-Hip Ratio, and Waist Circumference) and compares their effectiveness in predicting the risk of chronic diseases.
Neumark-Sztainer, D., Story, M., Hannan, P.J., & Rex, J. (2003). New moves: A school-based obesity prevention program for adolescent girls. Preventive Medicine, 37, 41-51.
2 pages Published: May 2012 GeoOrigin: International
Increased consumption of high fat foods and physical inactivity have led to a global epidemic of obesity and overweight. This WHO fact sheet highlights the extent of the problem, how it affects health, and what we can do about it.
Frank, L.D., Andresen, M.A., & Schmid, T.L. (2004). Obesity relationships with community design, physical activity, and time spent in cars. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 27, 87-96.
301 pages Published: 2003 GeoOrigin: International
The manual combines a literature review with practical applications, incorporating expert analysis and synthesis of obesity treatment and prevention. The book is an important resource that will prepare health professionals and clinicians.
This resource is also available in the Centre library: Health/Well-being--Obesity, ID #871
In 2011, 18.3% of Canadians aged 18 and older, roughly 4.6 million adults, reported height and weight that classified them as obese, virtually unchanged from 2009. However, from 2003 to 2011, obesity among men rose from 16.0% to 19.8%, and among women, from 14.5% to 16.8%.
This factsheet shows results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. From height and weight measurements, it is estimated that 65% if American adults are either overweight or obese. A factsheet and charts showing age-adjusted prevalance of overweight and obesity among US adults are also included.
Erlichman, J., Kerbey, A.L., & James, W.P.T. (2002). Physical activity and its impact on health outcomes. Paper 2: Prevention of unhealthy weight gain and obesity by physical activity: An analysis of the evidence. Obesity Reviews, 3, 273.
Courneya, K.S., Katzmarzyk, P.T., & Bacon, E.(2008). Physical activity and obesity in Canadian cancer survivors: population-based estimates from the 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey. Cancer, 112, 2475-2482. doi: 10.1002/cncr.23455
At this Physical Activity Forum, Dr. Mark Tremblay, an internationally known expert in childhood obesity, spoke about preventing childhood obesity using big picture strategies.
You can view the presentation and panel discussion. As well, Dr. Tremblay has provided a copy of his presentation for you to use.
pdf file, 8 pages Published: Mar 2011 GeoOrigin: National
Statistics Canada.(2011). Physical activity of Canadian adults: Accelerometer results from the 2007 to 2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey. (Catalogue no. 82-003-XPE).Retrieved from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-003-x/2011001/article/11396-eng.pdf
pdf file, 94 pages Published: Oct 2000 GeoOrigin: International
This guide, developed by a National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute expert panel, recommends ways to assess and treat overweight and obese patients.
The guide also provides tools for medical staff and health specialists to effectively manage their overweight and obese adult patients. The guide also includes a section addressing weight reduction after age 65.
The 2004 Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in Balance is a report on the initial assessment of the nature, extent and consequences of childhood obesity. The findings and recommendations are described in the report.
You will also find a follow-up study and specific reports addressing the roles of schools, communities, media and industry.
At the bottom of the screen, you will find a series of fact sheets on these topics as well!
Katz, D.L., O'Connell, M., Ming-Chen, Y., Nawaz, H., Njike, V., Anderson, L.M., et al. (2006). Public health strategies for preventing and controlling overweight and obesity in school and worksite settings: A report on recommendations of the task force on community prevention services. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: Recommendations and Reports, 54, 1-12.
Flynn, M.A., McNeil, D.A., Maloff, B., Mutasingwa, D., Wu, M., Ford, C., et al. (2006). Reducing obesity and related chronic disease risk in children and youth: A synthesis of evidence with "best practice" recommendations. Obesity Reviews, 7(Suppl 1), 7-66.
pdf file, 53 pages Published: Jan 2005 GeoOrigin: Ontario
The impact of the built environment on health is an emerging field of study. This report discusses how the low walkability of sprawling neighbourhoods and the resulting increase in car use contribute to the growing obesity epidemic, especially in children.
Blanchard, C. M, McGannon, K. R, Spence, J.C. et al. (2005). Social ecological correlates of physical activity in normal weight, overweight, and obese individuals. International Journal of Obesity, 29, 720-726.
Research is limited concerning the moderating influence of weight status (i.e., normal, over, and obese) on the social-ecological correlates of physical activity in adults. Therefore, the present study attempted to shed light on this issue.
PDF file, 8 pages Published: Dec 2010 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This report summarizes key findings from research conducted through the Built Environment Edmonton Project (BEEP). The goal of this project was to explore the relationship between the neighbourhood
environment, physical activity, food choice
and obesity.
To maintain a healthy weight for life, you need to be active and eat well. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is one way to measure overweight and obesity. This factsheet from the US Surgeon General tells you how to use the BMI chart to determine your BMI.
Strine, T. W., Balluz,L.S. & Ford, E. S. (2007). The associations between smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, and asthma severity in the general US population. The Journal of Asthma, 44,651-658. doi: 10.1080/02770900701554896
Brisbon, N., Plumb, J., Brawer, R., & Paxman, D. (2005). The asthma and obesity epidemics: The role played by the built environment a public health perspective. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 115, 1024-1028.
Boreham, C. & Riddoch, C. (2001). The physical activity, fitness and health of children. Journal of Sports Sciences. 19, 915-929. doi:10.1080/026404101317108426
6 pages Published: Oct 2008 GeoOrigin: International
Patel, A.V., Spencer Feigelson,H., Talbot, J.T., McCullough, M.L., Rodriguez, C., Patel, R.C., Thun, M.J.,& Calle, E.E. (2008). The role of body weight in the relationship between physical activity and endometrial cancer: Results from a large cohort of US women. International Journal of Cancer, 123, 18771882. doi: 10.1002/ijc.23716
PDF file, 1 page Published: Dec 2008 GeoOrigin: Alberta
The long-term health risks for children with overweight or obesity have been well-established. Typically one thinks of cardiovascular disease or Type 2 diabetes, but one of the other significant risks is developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Its estimated that 10-25% of children with overweight or obesity have NAFLD.
Currently, there are no evidenced-based guidelines for how to treat NAFLD in children. This Research Update article explores recent research in establishing healthy eating and physical activity guidelines for treating NAFLD in children.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer this excellent series for both practitioners and the lay audience about nutrition and weight management.
You will find fact sheets, power point presentations and brochures, and you will have access to various topics such as:
Can eating fruits and vegetables help people to manage their weight?
Do increased portion sizes affect how much we eat?
Does drinking beverages with added sugars increase the risk of overweight?
Does breastfeeding reduce the risk of pediatric overweight?
Need help losing weight? Capital Health's Weight Wise program provides you with tools, access to experts, and information, plus programs and services to help you reach a healthy weight for improved health.
