High percentage of Aboriginal women considered obese

Poor food choices and snacking between meals are the main reasons why young Aboriginal women are more likely to become overweight than compared to their non-Aboriginal counterparts.
Statistics Canada recently released a report citing two-thirds, or 67 per cent, of Aboriginal women in a study group were considered overweight compared to 55 per cent of non-Aboriginal women. Among those who were overweight, 41 per cent were deemed obese compared to 18 per cent of non-Aboriginal women.
The study, using data from the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey, compared Aboriginals living off-reserve with the non-Aboriginal population in Ontario and the western provinces.
It was found that Aboriginal women between the ages of 19 and 30 consumed 359 more daily calories than non-Aboriginal women. They also ate more junk food, with those kinds of foods making up 35 per cent of their calorie intake, compared to 24 per cent for non-Aboriginal women. Aboriginal women also ate more junk food between meals.
Breaking down the food choices, the study shows Aboriginal women drank about three times as many non-diet soft drinks a day as non-Aboriginal women.
Aboriginal women were also getting more of their calorie intake from the "sandwich" category of foods, which include sandwiches, submarines, pizza, hamburgers and hot dogs, rather than from fruits and vegetables.
Whereas non-Aboriginal women may reach for foods that are higher in protein and fibre.
Young Aboriginal women get a lot of their excess calories from lower quality choices that are high in fat, sugar and salt that fall in the carbohydrate category.
The Health officials concern is that Aboriginal women, like many Canadians, fail to follow the Canada's Food Guide and aren't getting the recommended daily intake of the four major food groups, which are dairy products, fruits and vegetables, grains and meats.
Data leading to this obesity observation was based on eating habits analysis of 6,224 survey participants who listed all the foods and drinks they had consumed the previous day.
The weight analysis was based on 3,544 respondents who gave their weight and height information and then their body mass index was calculated.
Researchers admitted that using body mass index to define being overweight or obese can be problematic and has limitations.
Canada's Food guide was updated in 2007, when Health Canada developed a guide specifically for Aboriginal peoples based on the recognition that they, whether living on or off-reserve, make different food choices than non-Aboriginal Canadians and have their own traditional cuisine.
Statistics Canada deems further study will be needed to determine if dietary recommendations for Canada's populations should be adjusted for Aboriginal people again based on eating habits revealed in this study.
Through maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Aboriginal women and other Canadians can reduce the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer and osteoporosis.
To learn more about how to feel and look better, maintain stronger muscles and bones and have more energy visit Health Canada's Web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.