Background:The prevalence of obesity has been rapidly increasing among young adults. However, studies analyzing the comorbidities associated with obesity and related factors in Korean adults in their 20s and 30s are lacking. In this study, we aimed to analyze the prevalence of obesity, its comorbidities, and risk factors among young Korean adults.

Methods:Data from the 2019–2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used to analyze the prevalence of obesity and its related comorbidities in 3,609 adults aged 19–39 years (Group 1). After excluding individuals with chronic diseases and a low body mass index, 2,582 adults (1,257 male and 1,325 female, Group 2) were included. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to calculate the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for obesity-related factors.

Results:Among Korean adults aged 19–39 years, the prevalence of obesity, prediabetes, and prehypertension was 45.4%, 29.2%, and 31.1% in male and 20.5%, 17.7%, and 12.5% in female, respectively. Obesity was associated with lower education and higher stress levels in both sexes. In male, additional factors included marital status, lower income, alcohol use, and a history of smoking, whereas in female, obesity was linked to labor job or unemployment.

Conclusion:The prevalence of obesity, prediabetes, and prehypertension was high in young Korean adults, with obesity being associated with socioeconomic status, stress, and lifestyle factors. To prevent the development of cardiometabolic disease, tailored obesity prevention and management strategies that consider the risk factors for obesity in young adults are needed.