Obesity is becoming one of the biggest health problems in Canada. New data from Statistics Canada show a sharp rise in adult obesity rates between 2020 and 2022 (lastest available report).
Rising obesity rates are not just a public health issue. This article examines their implications for the life insurance industry in Canada, as more Canadians are likely to fall into higher-risk insurance categories, potentially jeopardizing their coverage.
What Classifies Obesity in This Study?
Anyone with a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Health Canada. This covers all classes from I to III, and these people are included in the national and provincial statistics below.
Statistics Canada adjusts self-reported data to account for misreporting of height and weight.
Obesity in Canada: A National Wake-Up Call
The number of Canadian adults considered obese rose from about 7.85 million to 8.71 million between 2020 and 2022, a 10.9% increase.
Obesity Growth by Province (2020–2022)
| Province | 2020 Obese Population | 2022 Obese Population | Increase | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Brunswick | 220,500 | 264,500 | +44,000 | 20.0% |
| Manitoba | 280,700 | 323,900 | +43,200 | 15.4% |
| British Columbia | 909,300 | 1,041,200 | +131,900 | 14.5% |
| Saskatchewan | 273,800 | 313,100 | +39,300 | 14.4% |
| Ontario | 3,050,800 | 3,374,900 | +324,100 | 10.6% |
| Quebec | 1,700,400 | 1,872,700 | +172,300 | 10.1% |
| Alberta | 942,700 | 1,018,100 | +75,400 | 8.0% |
| Nova Scotia | 260,400 | 278,200 | +17,800 | 6.8% |
| Prince Edward Island | 44,400 | 46,700 | +2,300 | 5.2% |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | 169,300 | 172,300 | +3,000 | 1.8% |
Women Saw a Steeper Climb in Obesity than Men
Obesity rates increased for both men and women from 2020 to 2022, but the rise was greater for women.
| Sex | 2020 Obese Population | 2022 Obese Population | Increase | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Females | 3,877,900 | 4,338,100 | +460,200 | 11.9% |
| Males | 3,974,300 | 4,367,400 | +393,100 | 9.9% |
When it comes to policy underwriting for women, insurers pay closer attention to health conditions like PCOS, thyroid issues, or pregnancy complications when reviewing your policy. That’s why staying on top of your health is extremely important.
Young Adults Are Experiencing the Highest Increase in Obesity Cases
| Age Group | 2020 Obese Population | 2022 Obese Population | Increase | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 to 34 years | 1,618,000 | 1,930,000 | +312,000 | 19.3% |
| 65 years and over | 1,670,600 | 1,914,900 | +244,300 | 14.6% |
| 35 to 49 years | 2,202,700 | 2,390,200 | +187,500 | 8.5% |
| 50 to 64 years | 2,360,900 | 2,470,400 | +109,500 | 4.6% |
This is an important warning for younger Canadians. Your current BMI can affect your life insurance costs for the next 20 years or longer. A high BMI usually does not prevent you from obtaining a policy, but it can result in higher costs.
How Obesity Affects Life Insurance
As mentioned previously, you can still obtain a life insurance policy with a higher-than-average BMI, at a higher cost.
Life Insurance Pricing Based on BMI
| BMI Range | Gender | Term-20 Life Insurance (35-year-old) | Term-20 Life Insurance (45-year-old) | Term-20 Life Insurance (55-year-old) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18–29 | Male | $28.80 | $63.45 | $161.10 |
| Female | $22.05 | $48.60 | $115.20 | |
| 30–31 | Male | $30.15 | $69.75 | $187.20 |
| Female | $22.05 | $49.95 | $133.65 | |
| 32–33 | Male | $30.15 | $69.75 | $213.30 |
| Female | $22.05 | $49.95 | $152.10 | |
| 34–38 | Male | $30.15 | $69.75 | $213.30 |
| Female | $22.05 | $49.95 | $152.10 |
Most life insurers will not increase your premiums after your policy is purchased, even if you gain weight later. Locking in coverage while you are still young and healthy is a smart move.
Key Advice from MyChoice
- Consider alternative coverage options if life insurance is unavailable or becomes too pricey. Simplified issue or group life insurance can still offer you an dyour family the financial protection you seek.
- You can still get life insurance if you manage your health well. Most Canadians with a BMI over 30 can still get good rates and qualify for life insurance, considering they are in good health and don’t have bad habits like smoking.
- Review your options once you lose weight. If you maintain a lower weight for at least 1 year, you may qualify for a cheaper rate.