2 in 5 adults in South Korea fall into the obese category, with the prevalence of extreme obesity nearly tripling over the past 10 years. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Feb. 21 (Korea Bizwire) – A recent study by the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity reveals that 2 in 5 adults in South Korea fall into the obese category, with the prevalence of extreme obesity nearly tripling over the past 10 years.
The study, utilizing data from the National Health Insurance Service and the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2012 to 2021, found that the obesity prevalence in 2021 stood at 38.4%.
Obesity in adults is measured by the Body Mass Index (BMI), with classifications into stage 1 obesity (25-29.9 kg/m²), stage 2 obesity (30-34.9 kg/m²), and stage 3 obesity (over 35 kg/m²). Stage 2 and stage 3 are also referred to as severe and extreme obesity, respectively.
According to the study, the prevalence rates for each obesity stage were 32.4% for stage 1, 5.9% for stage 2, and 1.09% for stage 3. However, over the decade, stage 3 obesity saw the highest increase at 2.9 times, followed by stage 2 at 2.6 times, and stage 1 at 1.1 times.
The increase in obesity rates varied by gender, with males experiencing a 3.5-fold increase in stage 3 obesity from 0.35% in 2012 to 1.21% in 2021. Females saw a 2.3-fold increase from 0.42% to 0.97% over the same period.
The society highlighted the rapid rise in stage 3 obesity among the younger population, particularly those in their 20s to 40s. Over the past decade, the increase in stage 3 obesity among these age groups was alarming, with a 3.1-fold increase in the 20s, 3.6-fold in the 30s, and 3.4-fold in the 40s.
Stage 3 obesity, associated with the highest risk of comorbidities, often requires a comprehensive treatment approach, including diet, exercise, behavioral therapy, and in some cases, medication. Surgical treatment may also be considered depending on the progression.
The society stressed the need for social and medical conditions that encourage individuals with stage 3 obesity to actively recognize and address their condition. Moreover, a collective effort is needed to reduce the prevalence of stage 3 obesity.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
