Protecting our gifts and securing our future [electronic resource] : First Nations children and obesity : a growing epidemic

"Prepared for: The Assembly of First Nations"

"September 26, 2006"

Executive Summary:

Over half of First Nations children are either overweight or obese. Rapid social and lifestyle changes are responsible for the increase in prevalence of both obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer in this segment of the population which represents over one third of First Nations people in Canada.

There are many determinants influencing health which make-up the
social, economic and physical landscape where children live, learn and play. The First Nations Regional Longitudinal Health Survey 2002-03 was an initiative conducted in 238 First Nations on-reserve and other communities between August 2002 and November 2003, with more than 22,000 participants involved. The survey showed clearly that the high rates of obesity are linked to physical activity and the diet that children 3-11 years of age are consuming. Walking was the most frequently reported physical activity which boys and girls both participated in. Although over half of First Nations children are reported as eating a nutritious balanced diet, children who are never active are more likely to consume soft drinks, fast foods, baked goods and high fat snack foods. Obese children are more likely to be less active, come from lower income households and are more likely to live in larger communities. Children who are active on a daily basis and who eat a balanced diet are more likely to say that they are in excellent health. A First Nations-specific approach to identifying effective health promotion strategies is needed. The AFN’s First Nations Wholistic Policy and Planning Model provides a framework which looks at the determinants of health that are most relevant to First Nations peoples in promoting positive health outcomes.

A comprehensive community development approach is needed to address the multi-factorial nature of obesity in First Nations children. Eight recommendations for change are put forward in marking a path to health and wellness for First Nations children. To action these recommendations will require alignment of funding with population growth, aging and inflation. The AFN projects a shortfall of close to $2 billion in federal health funding for First Nations over the next five years if these gaps are not addressed.