According to Statistics Canada, 34% of Canadians between 20 and 64 years of age are overweight and 12% (approximately 2.1 million) are obese.

A new study links Body Mass Index (BMI) in adulthood to changes in leisure time physical activity between adolescence and adulthood.

Many studies have shown an inverse relationship between physical activity and BMI, which is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight. Studies have also shown BMI tends to track over time - meaning a person's BMI maintains a steady position within their age and gender as they get older. Few of these studies, however, have addressed the time between adolescence and young adulthood.

Researchers studied 485 people with an average age of 15 at the beginning of the study. All were followed for 18 to 20 years. Results showed significant tracking of BMI over the course of the study. About half of the variance in BMI over time could be attributed to adolescent BMI, the father's BMI, the person's level of leisure time physical activity, smoking history, and gender. Those who increased their leisure time physical activity from adolescence to adulthood had a lower risk of being overweight in adulthood than those who maintained a low level of leisure time physical activity throughout the study.

To calculate your BMI online or for more information on weight loss visit HealthyOntario.com.

Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman introduced legislation to protect the privacy of Ontarians’ personal health information.

The proposed Health Information Protection Act will put clear rules in place for consistent protection of Ontarians’ health information. It will safeguard the privacy, confidentiality and security of that information.

”With these clear and consistent rules in place, doctors can continue to deliver high quality and accountable health care while protecting their patient's rights,” the minister said.

If this legislation is passed, Ontario will have the toughest regulations we have ever had on how health information is used and protected. In many ways, it will be the strongest health information privacy protection in the country.

”The introduction of health information privacy legislation is highly welcome and long-awaited. No personal information is more sensitive and in need of greater protection than health information. This Bill will provide a comprehensive set of privacy protections, designed specifically for the health sector in Ontario. I applaud the government in moving forward so promptly to introduce this Bill,” said Ann Cavoukian, Information Privacy Commissioner for Ontario.

”The McGuinty government is committed to listening to the public and our health partners to ensure the right privacy act is developed through the public hearing process in the new year,” Smitherman said. For more information regarding The Health Information Protection Act, visit the Health Update section of our website.

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