Diabetes Metab J.  2011 Dec;35(6):561-566. 10.4093/dmj.2011.35.6.561.

Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Korea

• Oh SW

• KMID: 2280721
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2011.35.6.561

Abstract

In Korea, a person with a body mass index (BMI) > or =25 kg/m2 is considered obese, and a person with a BMI > or =30 kg/m2 is classified as severely obese. Central obesity is defined as a waist circumference > or =90 cm for Korean men and > or =85 cm for Korean women. Recent epidemiologic data show that the prevalence of severe obesity and metabolic syndrome is steadily increasing. These epidemics increased morbidity and mortality of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity-related cancers such as breast, colorectal, and other cancers in Korea. Decreased physical activity, increased fat and alcohol consumption, heavy smoking, and stress/depressed mood are the primary modifiable life-style risk factors for Koreans. Recently, public health interventions to encourage life-style changes have shown promising results in reducing the prevalence of severe obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Keyword

Cut-point; Definition; Intervention; Lifestyle; Metabolic syndrome; Obesity; Prevalence; Risk factor

MeSH Terms

Alcohol Drinking
Body Mass Index
Breast
Cardiovascular Diseases
Female
Humans
Korea
Life Style
Male
Motor Activity
Obesity
Obesity, Abdominal
Prevalence
Public Health
Risk Factors
Smoke
Smoking
Waist Circumference
Smoke

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Distribution of the prevalence of severe obesity by age group.

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