Average Korean adult is overweight

A new body mass survey indicated that the average Korean adult has turned from normal to overweight in the decade leading to 2007 because of fatty foods and a sedentary lifestyle.

The percentage of obese Koreans grew from 21.6 percent to 33.4 percent during the period, putting them at a greater risk for diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and other health problems, according to the survey published in the latest edition the Korean Journal of Obesity.



The survey was conducted by Cho Young-chae, a medical professor at Chungnam National University, and the National Health Insurance Corp.

They traced the change in the body mass index of 5,420 adults from 1997 to 2007. The measurement compares a person`s weight and height.

The result showed that BMI for men grew from 22.9 kilograms per square meter to 23.9 during the period. The figure for women increased from 22.3 kilograms per square meter to 23.

For Asians, a BMI range between 18.5 to 22.9 is regarded as "normal" and that between 23 to 27.5 is categorized as "overweight." Those with a BMI between 15 to 18.4 are regarded as "underweight" and those between 27.6 to 40 are "obese."

"The survey showed a clear contrast between a shrinking number of underweight and normal people and a growing number of overweight and obese," the paper said.

The ratio of underweight and normal people decreased from 26.3 percent and 21.6 percent to 29.5 percent and 33.4 percent, respectively.

But the share of overweight and obese adults increased from 26.3 percent and 21.6 percent to 29.5 percent and 33.4 percent, respectively.

The average weight of men and women increased by 2.6 kg to 68.6 kg and 1.6 kg to 56.6 kg, respectively.

The direct and indirect costs that obesity incurred in the nation was estimated at more than 2.1 trillion won in 2006, according to a state-run research center.

The Health Ministry is currently working on a comprehensive set of measures to address weight-related health problems, including insurance support for an hyper-obese segment with a BMI over 30.

(jjhwang@heraldm.com)



By Hwang Jang-jin