Trends in leisure-, transport-, and work-related physical activity in Canada 1994-2005

Abstract

Background: In Canada, data show adults had a lower energy intake in 2004 than in 1972. Data also show adults expended more energy through leisure-time physical activity in 2000 than in 1981. On the other hand, the prevalence of overweight and obesity (combined) rose from 49.2% to 59.1% between 1978 and 2004.

Purpose: This study aimed to chart trends in leisure-, transport-, and work-related physical activity in Canada between 1994 and 2005.

Methods: We used nationally representative data from the three National Population Health Surveys (1994, 1996, and 1998) and the three Canadian Community Health Surveys (2000, 2003, and 2005) (a repeated cross-sectional design). Sample sizes ranged from n=17626 (in 1994) to n=132,221 (in 2005).

Results: Between 1994 and 2005, men became less inactive during leisure time (-9.94% [9.89%-9.98%]), less inactive during transports (-15.31% [15.26%-15.35%]), and more inactive at work (+5.18% [5.14%-5.22%]). Similar results were found for women.

Conclusions: Declining levels of physical activity at work may help explain the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity in Canada.