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

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.

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

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).

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.

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