Until 2014, approximately 20% of South Koreans aged 15 and above smoked daily. However, the rate began to fall below 20% in the following years. After a period of stagnation around 17.5% during 2017-2018, the rate continued to decline annually, reaching 16.4% in 2019. (Image: Freerange Stock/Pexels (CCL))
SEOUL, Dec. 3 (Korea Bizwire) – South Korea’s adult smoking rates have climbed, reversing a years-long decline, particularly among men in their 50s and women in their 20s, according to a report released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
Obesity rates also surged among younger adults, while nearly half of men in their 30s to 50s remain classified as obese.
The findings, part of the 2023 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, revealed a male smoking rate of 32.4% and a female rate of 6.3%, marking increases of 2.4 and 1.3 percentage points, respectively, compared to the previous year. Electronic cigarette use also saw a rise.
Men in their 50s experienced the steepest smoking rate increase, jumping from 32.5% to 42.1%, while women in their 20s saw rates more than double to 12.1%.
Health experts emphasize that obesity is no longer merely a lifestyle or cosmetic issue but a serious medical condition requiring prevention and treatment. (Image courtesy of Pixabay/CCL)
Obesity remains a persistent issue. While the overall obesity rate for men dropped slightly to 45.6%, it rose to 27.8% for women. Notably, obesity increased among men in their 20s and women in their 20s and 30s.
Approximately 50% of men aged 30 to 50 are classified as obese, underscoring a continued public health challenge.
Dietary patterns also highlight shifts in nutritional habits. While fruit consumption has steadily declined, meat and beverage intake has increased, with calorie contributions from fat nearing unhealthy thresholds for some groups, particularly women in their 20s.
The report emphasized widening health disparities linked to socioeconomic status, particularly in smoking, physical activity, and obesity rates. The KDCA pledged to enhance chronic disease prevention by deepening its analysis of health behavior trends and underlying causes.
The findings underscore a pressing need for targeted interventions to address rising health risks and persistent inequalities in South Korea’s public health landscape.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
