A tape measure around the waist helps show who is at risk for heart disease beyond standard body-mass-index measurements of excess weight. (Howie McCormick/Associated Press)

Canadians are losing the battle against obesity, warns a recent OECD report that qualifies one-quarter of the population as technically obese.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development says 25 per cent of Canadians are obese, and the rate is expected to increase by five per cent over the next 10 years.

The report says the problem is more prevalent among men, two out of three of whom are overweight, though not necessarily obese.

People deemed overweight are those with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more while those with a BMI of 30 or more are considered obese.

The body mass index is one of the methods widely used to measure if someone is overweight or obese.

The organization says Canada's obesity levels using the body-mass index are high, compared with other OECD countries, and the rates have increased slowly over the past 15 years.

The OECD is calling for Canada to join other member countries in pushing prevention programs, saying they will save money and lives in the long run.

The report says the United States has the highest obesity rate among OECD countries and forecasts that three out of four Americans will be overweight by 2020.

With files from The Canadian Press, The Associated Press