The relationship between health eating and overweight/obesity in Canada: cross-sectional study using the CCHS

The relationship between Canada's Food Guide (CFG) adherence and overweight/obesity at the population level is unknown. Our objective was to explore the association between overweight/obesity and CFG adherence in Canada.

Using 24-h dietary recall data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), we conducted a cross-sectional analysis of Canadians' consumption of four predefined food types from CFG (grain products, vegetables and fruit, milk and alternatives, meat and alternatives). Respondents aged 18 to 65 years with measured BMI were included. The total number of servings in each food group was compared with the number of recommended servings in CFG to determine adherence. Linear regression was used to explore the association between overweight/obesity and CFG adherence.

Participants who met the minimum servings in vegetables and fruit had a lower measured BMI. Also, participants who met the minimum servings in meat and alternatives had a higher measured BMI. These associations were observed for the sample as a whole and for those with overweight/obesity, and, for meat and alternatives, among women.

There is evidence that following the CFG recommendation is associated with measured BMI, for some food groups. This relationship needs to be validated using longitudinal data.