Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Korea

Abstract

In Korea, a person with a body mass index (BMI) ${\geq}25\;kg/m^{2}$ is considered obese, and a person with a BMI ${\geq}30\;kg/m^{2}$ is classified as severely obese. Central obesity is defined as a waist circumference ${\geq}90$ cm for Korean men and ${\geq}$85 cm for Korean women. Recent epidemiologic data show that the prevalence of severe obesity and metabolic syndrome is steadily increasing. These epidemics increased morbidity and mortality of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity-related cancers such as breast, colorectal, and other cancers in Korea. Decreased physical activity, increased fat and alcohol consumption, heavy smoking, and stress/depressed mood are the primary modifiable life-style risk factors for Koreans. Recently, public health interventions to encourage life-style changes have shown promising results in reducing the prevalence of severe obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Keywords

• Cut-point;
• Definition;
• Intervention;
• Lifestyle;
• Metabolic syndrome;
• Obesity;
• Prevalence;
• Risk factor