Determinants of physical activity and possible economic policies to influence physical activity levels in Canada

摘要

The media often portrays Canadians as an obese and sedentary population. Evidence suggests an upward trend in physical activity levels of all population groups over the decade but still many Canadians are not active enough to reap health benefits. It has been the goal of health practitioners and policy makers to increase physical activity levels among physically inactive Canadians. First, I provide a critical evaluation on the rationales for physical activity policy interventions. Then, using Canada's General Social Surveys on time use, I estimate the determinants of physical activity decisions and discussed the potential effectiveness of policy interventions for improving Canadians' physical activity levels.