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Ontario
Physical activity profile
- As many as 57% of Ontarians are insufficiently active for
optimal health benefits. (Canadian Community Health Survey,
2000/01)
- Physical inactivity declined significantly since the early
1990s, going from 62% in 1994 to 57% in 2000. (CCHS, 2000/01)
What about youth?
- In Ontario, 56% of youth aged 12-19 are not active enough
for optimal growth and development. For the purpose of these
analyses, the term physically inactive is equivalent to an
energy expenditure of less than three kilocalories per kilogram
of body weight per day (KKD). This level of physical activity
can be achieved by playing team sports for an hour or a half
and hour of running, combined with an accumulated hour of
walking throughout the day (2000/01, CCHS)
Awareness of Canada's physical activity guidelines
- 44% of adults reported having heard of the Guide in the
previous 12 months.
Beliefs about the benefits of lifestyle
behaviours
- 64% strongly agreed that a healthy lifestyle contributes
to long-term health benefits.
Self-reported health
- According to the Canadian Community Health Survey, aged
15 and older rate their health as very good (36%) or excellent
(26%).
Healthy lifestyles
- 62% of Ontarians eat the recommended minimum of 5 or more
servings of fruit and vegetables per day.
- 21% smoke daily.
Body mass
- 34% Ontarians aged 20-64 are classified as overweight
having a body mass index of 25.0 to 29.9, or as obese (16%),
having a body mass index of 30.0 or higher.
High blood pressure
- 27% of Ontarians aged 45+ were diagnosed with high blood
pressure.
Diabetes
- 5% of Ontarians aged 20+ are diagnosed with diabetes.
Perceived control over choice to be active
- 36% of adults stated that they have complete control over
their decision to be active, 24% said they had a lot of
control and another 29% reported moderate control.
Barriers to physical activity
- 76% of Ontarians cite lack of time, 66% lack of energy,
34% lack of skill and 63% lack of interest or motivation.
- 44% report feeling ill at ease/uncomfortable, 57% illness
and disability, 38% fear or injury and 45% due to cost.
Support for government investment
- 42% think that government should increase tax spending
to provide opportunities for physical activity and 19% say
that much more should be spent in this area.
Safe places to walk and bicycle
- 65% report that there are many safe places to walk in
their community, including sidewalks, paths and walking
trails.
- 35% report many safe places to bicycle, such as bicycle
paths or lanes, and 17% report that there are none.
Trails and physical activity facilities
- Over 45% of adults report that there are many public facilities
for physical activity in their communities and 25% report
having many public multi-purpose trails.
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