Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Korea.
10.4093/dmj.2011.35.6.561
- Author:
Sang Woo OH
1
Author Information
1. Center for Obesity, Nutrition, and Metabolism, Department of Family Medicine, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea. osw6021@yahoo.co.kr
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Cut-point;
Definition;
Intervention;
Lifestyle;
Metabolic syndrome;
Obesity;
Prevalence;
Risk factor
- MeSH:
Alcohol Drinking;
Body Mass Index;
Breast;
Cardiovascular Diseases;
Female;
Humans;
Korea;
Life Style;
Male;
Motor Activity;
Obesity;
Obesity, Abdominal;
Prevalence;
Public Health;
Risk Factors;
Smoke;
Smoking;
Waist Circumference
- From:Diabetes & Metabolism Journal
2011;35(6):561-566
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
In Korea, a person with a body mass index (BMI) > or =25 kg/m2 is considered obese, and a person with a BMI > or =30 kg/m2 is classified as severely obese. Central obesity is defined as a waist circumference > or =90 cm for Korean men and > or =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.
