World J Mens Health.  2016 Aug;34(2):129-136. 10.5534/wjmh.2016.34.2.129.

Obesity in Korean Men: Results from the Fourth through Sixth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2007~2014)

• Park YW
• Choi KB
• Kim SK
• Lee DG
• Lee JH

• KMID: 2349849
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.2016.34.2.129

Abstract

PURPOSE
Obesity is related to many diseases, including urological conditions. We investigated the prevalence, risk factors, and treatment of male obesity.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study included 17,485 men older than 20 years of age who participated in the fourth, fifth, and sixth administrations of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Two main cutoff points for obesity were defined: a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 and a BMI≥30 kg/m2. Additionally, we defined obesity requiring pharmacotherapy as the presence of a BMI≥30 kg/m2 or a BMI≥27 kg/m2 co-occurring with at least one associated comorbid medical condition, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, or diabetes.
RESULTS
The prevalence rates of a BMI≥25 kg/m2, a BMI≥30 kg/m2, and obesity requiring pharmacotherapy were 35.7%, 3.4%, and 10.5%, respectively. The prevalence of obesity increased over time for all definitions of obesity. The prevalence of obesity requiring pharmacotherapy was highest in Jeju (12.5%) and lowest in Gangwon-do (7.7%). Having a higher income, being a non-manual worker, and having completed a high level of education were significantly related to obesity requiring pharmacotherapy. More than 70% of patients with obesity requiring pharmacotherapy reported taking diet pills, eating functional foods, or consuming a one-food diet for weight reduction, but only 13.9% reported exercising for this purpose.
CONCLUSIONS
Male obesity is a common condition, the prevalence of which is expected to continue to increase over time. A better strategy is required to manage male obesity in Korea.

Keyword

Body mass index; Obesity; Prevalence

MeSH Terms

Body Mass Index
Diet
Drug Therapy
Dyslipidemias
Eating
Education
Functional Food
Gangwon-do
Humans
Hypertension
Korea
Male
Nutrition Surveys
Obesity*
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Weight Loss

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The prevalence of obesity according to age group. BMI: body mass index.

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  Fig. 2 Scatter plot and trend curve for the relationship between age and body mass index (BMI).

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  Fig. 3 Prevalence of obesity according to survey year. Mantel-Hazel extension test. Comorbidities included hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia. BMI: body mass index.

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  Fig. 4 Geographic distribution of the number of participants with obesity requiring pharmacotherapy.

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  Fig. 5 Geographic distribution of the prevalence of obesity requiring pharmacotherapy. Values are presented as percent.

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