Obesity represents a major public health concern in Korea, for risks of metabolic, cardiovascular, and malignant diseases. This review summarizes the 2024 Obesity Fact Sheet to provide updated epidemiological insights and clinical implications.Current concepts: According to the 2024 Fact Sheet, the prevalence of obesity among Korean adults reached 38.4% in 2022 (men 49.6%, women 27.7%), with abdominal obesity at 24.5%. Severe obesity has increased markedly over the past decade, with class II and class III obesity rising 1.6-fold and 2.6-fold, respectively. Mortality analysis revealed a U-shaped association between body mass index and both cancer- and cardiovascular-related deaths, with heightened risks in underweight and class III obesity groups. Obesity significantly elevated the incidence of major cancers, including thyroid, colorectal, liver, kidney, and breast cancers. Body composition analysis showed mean body fat percentages of 24.8% in men and 32.9% in women. When obesity was defined by body fat (≥25% in men, ≥35% in women), prevalence increased to 46.1% and 37.1%, respectively. Lean mass declined with age, emphasizing the growing burden of sarcopenic obesity. Additionally, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome reached 28.6%, with a particularly sharp increase observed among younger men.Discussion and conclusion: The 2024 Obesity Fact Sheet underscores the escalating burden of obesity in Korea, characterized by continued increases in severe obesity, cancer risk, and sarcopenic obesity. These findings highlight the urgent need to recognize obesity as a chronic disease requiring comprehensive national strategies that integrate prevention, intensive management of severe obesity, and precision interventions based on body composition.

Background: Menopausal status can increase the risk of cardiocerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs) in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Regular exercise is well-known to reduce this risk. This study explored the impact of exercise on CCVD and mortality in women with T2DM according to their menopausal status. Methods: A total of 32,477 premenopausal and 53,690 postmenopausal Korean women with T2DM aged 40 to 60 years from a national health examination cohort (2009 to 2018) were included. We evaluated risks for stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and mortality based on exercise intensity. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to obtain the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% confidence interval. Results: Exercise reduced stroke, MI, and mortality risks in women with T2DM, regardless of menopausal status. The highest effects of aHR compared to the sedentary group were 0.68 for stroke, 0.66 for MI, and 0.81 for mortality. Postmenopausal women experienced significant MI risk reductions at most exercise intensities, with the greatest reduction in the ≥1,500 metabolic equivalent of task score group unlike premenopausal women. However, stroke and mortality risk reductions in postmenopausal women were less pronounced compared to premenopausal women. Conclusion Exercise reduces CCVD risk in women with T2DM across menopausal status. Postmenopausal women with T2DM had more benefits from exercise on MI but fewer benefits on stroke and mortality than premenopausal women. In premenopausal women with T2DM, exercise was not associated with a lower MI risk.

Objective: Sleep disturbances are common and debilitating nonmotor symptoms (NMS) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients and profoundly affect quality of life. Despite emerging evidence suggesting that monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors may alleviate NMS, their specific effects on sleep remain unclear. The aim of this network meta-analysis (NMA) was to compare the efficacy of these inhibitors related to sleep problems in PD patients. Methods: Following a systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase, studies comparing MAO-B or COMT inhibitors and assessing sleep outcomes in PD patients were identified. An NMA was conducted using data from the seven studies that met our inclusion criteria. The outcomes included subjective sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and objective polysomnography (PSG) parameters. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the effects of the MAO-B and COMT inhibitors on improving subjective sleep quality or daytime sleepiness. However, analyses of objective PSG data revealed that, compared with rasagiline and placebo, safinamide significantly increased rapid eye movement sleep duration (mean difference, 5.70 min [95% CI, 2.26 to 9.14]) and decreased wake time after sleep onset (mean difference, -10.20 min [-19.38 to -1.02]). Conclusion These findings suggest that safinamide may offer additional value for managing sleep disruptions beyond its known motor benefits in patients with PD. Given the limited number and small scale of available trials, the overall evidence should be interpreted cautiously. Nonetheless, this analysis highlights the need for future high-quality trials focused on sleep outcomes to guide the personalized use of MAO-B and COMT inhibitors for sleep disturbances in PD patients.

Background: Cough is a prominent symptom of chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchiectasis (BE). Some patients develop chronic cough (CC), defined as lasting more than 8 weeks, yet its characteristics remain poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize CC across various chronic respiratory diseases using validated cough assessment tools. Methods: The Cough Assessment in Chronic Respiratory Diseases (COASESS) study, a multicenter, prospective cross-sectional study, was conducted at 10 university hospitals. CC was evaluated in terms of intensity (numeric rating scale [NRS]), frequency (cough symptom score [CSS]), and quality of life (using the cough assessment test [COAT] and Leicester cough questionnaire [LCQ]). Cough hypersensitivity was assessed with the cough hypersensitivity questionnaire (CHQ). Data on age, sex, and smoking status were also collected. Results: Among the 303 enrolled patients, 266 with chronic respiratory diseases were included in the analysis. Patients with asthma were younger, predominantly female, and non-smokers, whereas those with COPD and IPF were older males who had previously smoked (p<0.001). Scores for COAT, LCQ, NRS, and CSS showed significant differences across the diseases, with asthma and IPF patients experiencing a greater symptom burden and lower quality of life compared to those with COPD or BE (p<0.001). Although CHQ total scores were similar across groups, asthma patients more frequently reported triggers such as talking and post-nasal drip. Conclusion This study revealed distinct characteristics of CC across different chronic respiratory diseases. Asthma and IPF were associated with a higher symptom burden, and cough hypersensitivity varied depending on the underlying condition. These findings highlight the necessity for disease-specific assessments and management strategies for CC.

Background: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and early-onset dementia (EOD), defined as dementia diagnosed at an age <65 years, is increasing worldwide, with significant socioeconomic implications. We investigated the association between diabetes, prediabetes, and EOD, focusing on the influence of diabetes duration on EOD risk. Methods: Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, we analyzed data from 1,979,509 patients aged 40–60 years who underwent health checkups in 2009. Patients were categorized into five groups: normal, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), newly diagnosed diabetes, diabetes duration <5 years, and diabetes duration ≥5 years. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for EOD after adjusting for demographic and clinical covariates. Results: During the observation period (mean 7.75 years), 8,921 patients with EOD were identified. The diabetes group demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of EOD compared to the normal group (aHR, 1.334; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.226 to 1.451). EOD risk increased with longer diabetes duration, with the highest risk observed in patients with diabetes ≥5 years (aHR, 1.543; 95% CI, 1.368 to 1.741). No significant difference was observed between the IFG and normal groups (aHR, 0.989; 95% CI, 0.938 to 1.043). Additionally, the hypertension group exhibited a significantly higher incidence of EOD compared to the non-hypertension group (aHR, 1.364; 95% CI, 1.291 to 1.442). Conclusion Diabetes is independently associated with increased risk of EOD, and this risk increases with longer diabetes duration. This association remained significant regardless of the presence and duration of hypertension.

OBJECTIVES: Individuals with disabilities are at greater risk of hospitalization than the general population. We examined 10-year trends in potentially preventable hospitalizations (PPH) in Korea, comparing individuals with and without disabilities and assessing age-specific patterns. METHODS: Using National Health Information Database claims data (2010–2019), we established a fixed cohort of newly registered individuals with disabilities and control subjects statistically matched (1:1.5) at baseline. Annual PPH rates among patients with each condition were calculated and age- and sex-standardized according to Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Health Care Quality Indicators definitions. Trends and annual percent changes (APCs) were analyzed by disability status and age group (non-older: 30–64; older adults: ≥65 years). RESULTS: Between 2010 and 2019, PPH rates declined significantly in both groups. Among individuals with disabilities, the steepest decline was observed for hypertension (APC, −15.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], −17.7 to −13.7), whereas congestive heart failure showed the largest reduction among individuals without disabilities (APC, −7.8%; 95% CI, −10.8 to −4.7). Declines were generally greater among non-older adults aged 30–64 years, regardless of disability status. The disparity between disability and non-disability groups narrowed over the decade, primarily due to larger improvements among non-older adults. Older adults with disabilities consistently exhibited the highest PPH rates for most conditions, whereas younger individuals with disabilities had the highest rates for diabetes. CONCLUSIONS PPH rates declined over the decade among both individuals with and without disabilities, particularly for hypertension and among non-older adults. However, older adults with disabilities remain at elevated risk, underscoring the need for targeted strategies to improve access to community-based primary care.

Background: and Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. However, long-term population-based evidence across a broad range of cardiovascular outcomes, particularly conduction system disorders, remains limited. We investigated the 15-year cardiovascular outcomes in patients with OSA using a large-scale nationwide cohort. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, including 547,749 patients diagnosed with OSA and 2,282,415 matched controls between 2002 and 2020. Following exclusion criteria and 1:1 propensity score matching, 541,812 individuals were included in each group. The primary outcomes were incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF), premature beats, ventricular arrhythmias, atrioventricular (AV) block, sinus node dysfunction, heart failure, ischemic heart disease (IHD), and stroke. Cumulative incidence was assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for relevant covariates. Results: Over a 15-year follow-up period, the OSA group exhibited significantly higher incidence rates for all cardiovascular outcomes than controls. In the matched cohort, adjusted HR were elevated for AF (1.82 [1.77–1.87]), premature beats (2.25 [2.17–2.34]), ventricular arrhythmias (1.81 [1.64–1.99]), AV block (1.81 [1.64–1.99]), sinus node dysfunction (2.22 [1.96–2.50]), heart failure (1.43 [1.39–1.48]), IHD (1.54 [1.52–1.56]), and stroke (1.20 [1.18–1.22]) (all P < 0.0001). Conclusions OSA was independently associated with an increased long-term risk of various cardiovascular outcomes, including arrhythmias, ischemic events, and conduction system disorders. This supports the importance of early identification and longitudinal management of cardiovascular risk in this population.

Background: and Purpose: This clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for treatment of dementia, focusing on cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other types of dementia. Methods: Using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes (PICO) framework, we developed key clinical questions and conducted systematic literature reviews. A multidisciplinary panel of experts, organized by the Korean Dementia Association, evaluated randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Recommendations were graded for evidence quality and strength using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Results: Three main recommendations are presented: (1) For AD, cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) are strongly recommended for improving cognition and daily function based on moderate evidence; (2) Cholinesterase inhibitors are conditionally recommended for vascular dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia, with a strong recommendation for Lewy body dementia; (3) For moderate to severe AD, NMDA receptor antagonist (memantine) is strongly recommended, demonstrating significant cognitive and functional improvements. Both drug classes showed favorable safety profiles with manageable side effects. Conclusions This guideline offers standardized, evidence-based pharmacologic recommendations for dementia management, with specific guidance on cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. It aims to support clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes in dementia care. Further updates will address emerging treatments, including amyloid-targeting therapies, to reflect advances in dementia management.

Background: The novel sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor enavogliflozin effectively lowers glycosylated hemoglobin levels and body weights without the increased risk of serious adverse events; however, the long-term clinical benefits of enavogliflozin in terms of cardiovascular and renal outcomes have not been investigated. Methods: This study is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, randomized, pragmatic, open-label, active-controlled, non-inferiority trial. Eligible participants are adults (aged ≥19 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who have a history of, or are at risk of, cardiovascular disease. A total of 2,862 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either enavogliflozin or other SGLT2 inhibitors with proven cardiorenal benefits, such as dapagliflozin or empagliflozin. The primary endpoint is the time to the first occurrence of a composite of major adverse cardiovascular or renal events (Clinical Research Information Service registration number: KCT0009243). Conclusion This trial will determine whether enavogliflozin is non-inferior to dapagliflozin or empagliflozin in terms of cardiorenal outcomes in patients with T2DM and cardiovascular risk factors. This study will elucidate the role of enavogliflozin in preventing vascular complications in patients with T2DM.

Korea has entered ‘super-aged’ society in 2025 with the proportion of people 65 years or older exceeding 20% as of the end of the year 2024. The health burden of cardiovascular diseases increases with age, and the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia, may be linked to increased population-level cardiovascular risk. According to data from 2022, the overall prevalence of obesity reached 38.4%, marking a continued upward trend, based on National Health Insurance medical checkup data. In the combined data of 2021 to 2022, the prevalence of diabetes was 15.5% in Koreans older than 30 years according to the Diabetes Fact Sheet 2024 published by the Korean Diabetes Association, based on data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The prevalence of hypertension in the total population of Korea in 2022 was 30% according to the Korean Hypertension Fact Sheet produced by the Korean Society of Hypertension. Lastly, the prevalence of dyslipidemia in 2022 was 40.9% according to the Dyslipidemia Fact Sheet published by the Korean Society of Lipid and Atherosclerosis. In this article, I would like to review the prevalence and current management of cardiovascular risk factors in Korea according to the fact sheets released by various associations in 2024.