Quebec is facing a growing public health challenge. Recent data indicate a notable rise in overweight and obesity among both adults and youth, a trend shaped by economic pressures, lifestyle shifts, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 2022 and 2024, Statistics Canada reported that about 68% of adults aged 18 to 79 were in categories defined as overweight or obese, with nearly a third meeting the criteria for obesity. Among children, around 31% struggle with overweight. These numbers are not just statistics; they reflect everyday choices, family routines, and community environments that influence health and well-being across Quebec.
Understanding the Quebec Obesity Trend
The rise in overweight and obesity is multifaceted. While the data highlight a clear pattern, they also point to how modern life—long work hours, increased screen time, and easy access to energy-dense foods—affects daily energy balance. The pandemic disrupted physical activity patterns and dietary habits, and for many households, higher grocery costs have shifted food choices toward less nutritious, more affordable options. The result is a cycle where less movement and poor eating habits reinforce weight gain, which in turn can impact mood, energy, and self-esteem.
Health Impacts Across Generations
Obesity carries a range of health risks that can begin in adulthood and extend into the next generation. Adults with overweight or obesity face increased risks of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers, along with reduced mobility and quality of life. For youth, obesity is linked to early onset health problems, including higher chances of developing metabolic disorders such as diabetes later in life. The mental health dimension is also significant, as individuals may experience stigma, anxiety, and decreased self-confidence tied to body image and social participation. In Quebec, these effects are particularly pressing given the long-term implications for educational achievement, participation in sports and recreation, and overall well-being.
What Is Driving the Trend?
Economic and Lifestyle Pressures
Rising grocery prices and the high cost of living can push families toward cheaper, calorie-dense foods that are often low in essential nutrients. Busy schedules may limit time for meal planning and preparation, while work-related stress and fatigue reduce motivation for physical activity.
The Pandemic Aftermath and the Food Environment
The COVID-19 era reshaped daily routines, increasing sedentary behaviors and reducing opportunities for physical activity. Even as restrictions ease, screen time remains a dominant part of many days, affecting sleep patterns, appetite regulation, and energy balance. The broader food environment—marketing, availability, and a shift toward convenience foods—also contributes to weight gain trends across age groups.
What Can Be Done? Practical Steps
Preventing and countering obesity requires action at the individual, family, school, workplace, and community levels. The World Health Organization recommends adults accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly, along with muscle-strengthening exercises on two or more days. Small, consistent changes can yield meaningful results over time.
Individual Actions
Consider integrating more movement into daily routines: brisk walking during breaks, cycling to errands, or family active outings on weekends. Aim to reduce sedentary time by short, frequent activity breaks and prioritize balanced meals that emphasize whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Adequate sleep and stress management are also important pieces of the energy balance puzzle.
Community and Policy Measures
Schools and workplaces can support healthier habits through active break programs, nutritious meal options, and clear messaging about physical activity. Urban planning that promotes safe walking and cycling routes, access to parks, and affordable healthy food options can broaden the population-level impact. Health authorities can continue monitoring trends, sharing practical guidance, and tailoring interventions to local needs in Quebec communities.
Get Involved: Exhibitions and Outdoor Activities
To explore these themes further, a public exhibition on this topic is available at the Armand Frappier Museum in Laval. The exhibit invites visitors to reflect on the connections between environment, behavior, and health, while encouraging people to get outside and be active this season. For context and the latest data, you can consult the INSPQ timeline documenting the progression of obesity in Quebec.
Source: Statistics Canada data (2022–2024) and Quebec public health insights via INSPQ.
