Although 85% adult Canadians believe they have a healthy lifestyle, 30% regularly eat unhealthy food such as fast foods or snack foods and 34% want to go on a diet, according to an RBC Insurance/Ipsos Reid survey.

“There’s a difference between what we say and what we do,” said Dr. Robert Snihura, chief medical director, RBC Life Insurance Co. “Failure to break unhealthy habits will only increase the obesity epidemic that’s affecting our society and, increasingly, our children.”

The poll found that 61% Canadians want to exercise more regularly and 53%would like to eat more nutritiously. One-in-five Canadians surveyed admit to smoking on a regular basis and, of these, 72% would like to stop or reduce their smoking habits.

The survey also found that Canadian women exhibit healthier habits than men. Forty per cent of men say they drink alcohol regularly compared to just 25% of women, while 34% of men said they regularly eat unhealthy foods with 27% of women doing the same.

Women are also more likely to want to diet, with 38% saying that they intend to go on a diet, compared to 30% of men.

“Healthier habits can lead to increased energy, greater self-esteem, a longer lifespan and reduced out-of-pocket health expenses,” Snihura added.

“One of the benefits of living a healthier lifestyle may include lower life and health insurance premiums in addition to reduced health care costs,” said John Young, president and CEO, RBC Life Insurance Co.

IE