The data by the Ministry of Health and Welfare showed that 16.5 percent of elementary, middle school, and high school students suffered from obesity in 2016, up 0.9 percentage point from a year earlier. (Image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Oct. 10 (Korea Bizwire) – One out of six South Korean children and youths are obese with the rate increasing every year, government data showed Tuesday.
The data by the Ministry of Health and Welfare showed that 16.5 percent of elementary, middle school, and high school students suffered from obesity in 2016, up 0.9 percentage point from a year earlier.
The obesity rate increased from 11.2 percent in 2008 to 14.3 percent in 2010, 14.7 percent in 2012 and moved up to 15 percent in 2014, the data showed.
Also, the data showed that 77.1 percent of children and teens drink soft drinks at least once a week, up from 74.2 percent in 2014.
People whose body mass index reaches 25 kg/㎡ or over are considered obese.
The ministry said it will stage a campaign to reduce the obesity rate by encouraging youth to eat more fruits and vegetables.
(Yonhap)
