Our neighbors to the north have released findings on the obese child and teenage obesity worth noting. According to the Vital Signs study, published by the Greater Saint John Community Foundation (New Brunswick, Canada), compared against 10 other cities in Canada, Saint Johners have the highest obesity rate, at 24.4 per cent of the population over 15 years old.

Poverty in the community may be one of the key causes of obesity, said report co-writer Randy Hatfield, himself from Saint John.

School officials suggested that, when it comes to the obese child and teenage obesity, there isn’t enough access to recreational options outside of the school system.