Childhood Obesity in Canada vs. USA: What are Canadians doing better?

Abstract

Childhood obesity, including children aged 0-18 years old, is associated with multiple adverse health issues and has become an issue of increasing severity in developed countries. The USA has increased rates of childhood obesity compared to Canada, despite the range of similarities between the two countries. This study aims to investigate the reasons that Canada has a decreased childhood obesity prevalence compared to the USA. A literature search using the PubMed database identified 121 articles matching the search criteria. We extracted data about childhood obesity in Canada and the USA from English peer-reviewed articles written in the last 10 years. Eleven studies were included that identified three main themes from the data extracted. Better strategies to combat childhood obesity were related to decreased prevalence of childhood obesity in Canada, and was present across all studies. Research indicates that the strategies Canada has implemented has led to decreased childhood obesity in comparison to the USA. Further research needs to be done to better characterize these differences and provide recommendations for future policies to combat childhood obesity in both countries.