New data published by the Public Health Agency of Canada has shown that obesity rates among adults in the country increased at a faster pace during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to any other period in the past decade.

According to the report based on data from the Canadian Health Survey, the percentage of Canadians classified as obese rose from about 27% in 2019 to more than 30% in 2021, the highest rate recorded since the regular monitoring of these health indicators began.

Dr. Peter Juni, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Toronto, said that this rapid increase is linked to several factors, most notably strict restrictions on daily activities, the closure of sports facilities, and psychological pressures that led many to overeat and have reduced physical activity.

The report indicated that the increase was more apparent among the age groups from 35 to 54 years, while women and low-income groups were more affected.

Experts warn that this trend may lead to higher rates of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart diseases, calling for national plans to promote physical activity, healthy nutrition, and the restoration of healthy habits that were affected during the pandemic.