Korean J Fam Pract.  2023 Mar;13(1):55-62. 10.21215/kjfp.2023.13.1.55.

Relationship between Perceived Stress and Weight Status in Korean Adults: Focusing Age and Gender Difference

• Lee YH
• Huh Y
• Park HS

• KMID: 2540646
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21215/kjfp.2023.13.1.55

Abstract

Background
Weight status influences the emotional condition and perceived stress of individuals and may induce psychosocial problems. Recognition of weight status differs according to historical environment, culture, regional background, age, and gender. However, there is limited evidence on this among Koreans. This study aimed to investigate age and gender differences in the relationship between perceived stress and weight status.
Methods
The study included 15,068 adults aged ≥19 years (6,306 males, 8,762 females) who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2016 and 2018. Perceived stress was measured using a self-administered questionnaire. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for perceived stress according to weight status stratified by age and gender were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for income, education, occupation, marital status, sleep, risky drinking, smoking, physical activity, energy intake, eatingout, dietary supplementation, and having breakfast.
Results
Among males, the underweight group aged 19–39 years had a higher OR for perceived stress than the normal weight group (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.04–3.32). However, in females, the obesity group had higher ORs for perceived stress among those aged 19–39 years (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.02–2.04) and those aged 40–59 years (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.03–1.75) compared to normal weight group.
Conclusion
The results suggest that perceived stress according to weight status differs by age and gender. Acknowledging these different relationships is required for providing appropriate care for the psychosocial aspects of weight status, taking into account age and gender in Korean adults.

Keyword

Perceived Stress; Obesity; Underweight; Age; Gender; Adult