J Korean Med Assoc.  2022 Jul;65(7):394-399. 10.5124/jkma.2022.65.7.394.

Current status and epidemiology of adult obesity in Korea

• Nam GE

• KMID: 2532133
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2022.65.7.394

Abstract

Background
Obesity has emerged as one of the most critical public health problems and is considered a global epidemic. Herein we summarized the recent epidemiology of obesity in Korean adults based on nationwide data.
Current Concepts
The prevalence of obesity among Korean adults has steadily increased over the past 10 to 20 years, more prominently in men. In general, the prevalence of obesity is higher among men than among women, and it is the highest among men in their 30s and 40s and older women. In particular, morbid obesity (class 2 or class 3) has increased rapidly, showing the steepest increase in men compared to women, and in young adults compared to other age groups. The prevalence of abdominal obesity has also risen. The prevalence of abdominal obesity is higher in older age individuals, but the prevalence of abdominal obesity among young adults has shown a sharp increase in recent years. Chronic diseases are prevalent in individuals with obesity or abdominal obesity, compared to those without, and particularly in young adults. The prevalence of obesity is higher in individuals with lower income levels. The awareness of obesity and attempts to lose weight are significantly low, and lifestyles related to obesity appear to be uncontrolled in individuals with obesity compared to those without obesity.
Discussion and Conclusion
It is necessary to recognize the current status of obesity in Korean adults and to make more active and multifaceted efforts to overcome it.

Keyword

Obesity; Chronic disease; Prevalence; Epidemiology; 비만; 만성질환; 유병률; 역학