The prevalence of chronic conditions is much higher among obese Canadians.

According to the 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey, nearly 3.8 million Canadians age 18 or older were obese. Obesity is a serious risk factor for a variety of chronic diseases and conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis. In fact, obese Canadians are twice as likely to suffer from selected chronic conditions as non-obese Canadians.

As baby-boomers age, the increased prevalence of diabetes and other age–related chronic conditions associated with obesity will have a major impact on the rising costs of health care. The Public Health Agency of Canada estimates that chronic diseases account for 87 percent of disability in Canada and two-thirds (67%) of all direct health care costs. Encouraging and promoting healthy lifestyles are effective ways to reduce the incidence of chronic disease and contain health spending growth.