Action against obesity needed

I was pleased to see the Nov. 29 editorial stating “Saskatchewan needs to tackle obesity.” Excess weight increases the risk of at least 13 different types of cancer. If we don’t take action now, excess weight is expected to become the second leading preventable cause of cancer in Canada by 2042, after tobacco.

The causes of obesity are complex. No one policy option will solve the increasing incidence of excess weight in Canada.

Co-ordinated and comprehensive action is necessary across all levels of government and across various sectors to reduce obesity, including making healthy food and physical activity choices easier for Canadians. It also requires improving access to obesity treatment, addressing weight bias and obesity stigma, and continuing to research causes and treatment.

The Canadian Cancer Society has long been advocating to governments to address obesity across the country. At the federal level, we are calling for restrictions on commercial marketing of food and beverages to kids and the introduction of frontof-package nutrition labels.

In Saskatchewan, we are proud to work with our partners including Active Saskatchewan on how to increase access to active play in nature and outdoors by removing barriers. We recommend increasing children’s opportunities for self-directed play outdoors in all settings — at home, at school, in childcare, the community and nature.

When children are outside they move more, sit less and play longer.

There is so much that can be done to tackle obesity, but we must start now. Donna Pasiechnik, Canadian Cancer Society, Regina