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Tackling the Obesity Pandemic

A Call for Sedentary Behaviour Research

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Abstract

An emerging threat to public health is seen in the dramatic rise in obesity status of Canadians, especially among young people. In addressing the possible factors responsible for these dramatic increases, this paper outlines the importance of understanding sedentariness as an important health behaviour, distinct from physical activity, and identifying the modifiable determinants of sedentary behaviours.

Résumé

Une menace grandissante pour la santé publique des Canadiennes et des Canadiens est la hausse spectaculaire de l’obésité, particulièrement parmi les jeunes. En étudiant les facteurs qui pourraient en être responsables, cet article décrit l’importance de considérer la sédentarité comme un comportement significatif pour la santé, distinct de l’activité physique, et de répertorier les déterminants modifiables des comportements sédentaires.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate Department of Exercise Sciences, University of Toronto, 55 Harbord St., Toronto, ON, M5S 2W6, Canada

    Paul A. Spanier MSc

  2. Department of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA

    Simon J. Marshall PhD

  3. Faculty of Physical Education and Health, University of Toronto, Canada

    Guy E. Faulkner PhD

Authors
  1. Paul A. Spanier MSc
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  2. Simon J. Marshall PhD
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  3. Guy E. Faulkner PhD
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Correspondence to Paul A. Spanier MSc.

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Spanier, P.A., Marshall, S.J. & Faulkner, G.E. Tackling the Obesity Pandemic. Can J Public Health 97, 255–257 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03405599

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03405599

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