Research Summary
Obesity is the leading chronic health condition in Canada today. Over the past 30 years, its prevalence in children and adolescents has tripled, with one in seven children and adolescents now suffering from the condition. It can lead to numerous health complications, including cardiovascular, metabolic, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, skeletal and reproductive issues. It also significantly increases the risk of obesity and related diseases later in life. As Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity and Juvenile Obesity, Dr. Marie-Ève Mathieu is developing more effective physical activity interventions to prevent and treat obesity and associated cardiometabolic disorders in children and youth.
She and her research team are focusing on the best time of day for exercise (or “chrono-exercise”) as well as how variety in physical activity affects health. They are also exploring the sensory mechanisms that link physical activity to dietary habits. Ultimately, their research will improve health outcomes by supporting the advancement of physical activity guidelines.