Obesity Trends in Canada by Gender (1990–2022)

Obesity in Canada has more than doubled over the last three decades, becoming one of the most pressing public health issues in the country. Using data from 1990 to 2022, we examine how obesity prevalence has changed among Canadian men and women separately, and what it means for the nation’s future health.

Obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher. BMI is a standard medical measure calculated from a person’s height and weight, and is commonly used to assess whether someone is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. A BMI of 30 or more increases the risk of serious health conditions including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers.

Obesity Rates Among Men in Canada (1990–2022)

In 1990, only 14% of Canadian men were classified as obese. Over the next three decades, this number doubled to 28% by 2022, reflecting dramatic changes in diet, lifestyle, and physical activity levels.

Key Milestones:

• 1990–2000: Obesity in men increased gradually from 14% to 21%.
• 2001–2010: The rate climbed from 22% to 26%.
• 2011–2020: Obesity prevalence held steady at around 26–28%.
• 2021–2022: The rate stabilized at its peak, with 28% of men living with obesity.

This steady rise suggests a long-term trend toward increasing body weight and reduced physical activity among Canadian men. Factors such as sedentary work environments, greater reliance on automobiles, and increased consumption of ultra-processed foods have all contributed to this rise.

Obesity Rates Among Women in Canada (1990–2022)

Canadian women have also seen a sharp increase in obesity over the same period. In 1990, 14% of women were classified as obese — a figure that rose to 25% by 2022, marking an 11 percentage point increase.

Key Milestones:

• 1990–2000: Obesity in women grew from 14% to 20%.
• 2001–2010: Rates increased modestly to 24%.
• 2011–2022: The trend plateaued at around 25%, where it remains today.

While the increase among women has been slightly less steep than among men, the public health implications are just as serious. Obesity in women is associated with higher risks of pregnancy complications, metabolic syndrome, and certain cancers, including breast and endometrial cancer.

Why Is Obesity Rising in Canada?

Some of the contributing factors include:

• Increased access to high-calorie, nutrient-poor processed foods
• Reduced physical activity in daily routines
• Economic barriers to healthy food and fitness resources
• Urban design that discourages walking and active transport

Yearly Obesity Trend in Canada (1990-2022)

Year	Prevalence of obesity in men	Prevalence of obesity in women
1990	14%	14%
1991	15%	15%
1992	16%	16%
1993	16%	16%
1994	17%	17%
1995	18%	18%
1996	18%	18%
1997	19%	19%
1998	20%	19%
1999	20%	20%
2000	21%	20%
2001	22%	21%
2002	22%	21%
2003	23%	22%
2004	23%	22%
2005	24%	23%
2006	24%	23%
2007	25%	23%
2008	25%	23%
2009	25%	24%
2010	26%	24%
2011	26%	24%
2012	26%	24%
2013	26%	24%
2014	26%	25%
2015	27%	25%
2016	27%	25%
2017	27%	25%
2018	27%	25%
2019	27%	25%
2020	28%	25%
2021	28%	25%
2022	28%	25%

Source:

NCD-RisC, National Adult Body-Mass Index