The Korea Herald

소아쌤

Extreme obesity among children, teens on rise

By Kim Da-sol

Published : May 2, 2017 - 14:14

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South Korean children and teenagers suffering from extreme obesity are on a sharp rise compared to decades ago, a report showed Tuesday.

According to a study released by the Korea University Anam Hospital, the prevalence of extreme obesity among the age group of 2-19 has more than quadrupled to 4.7 percent in 2014 from 0.7 percent in 1998.

(123RF) (123RF)

The research was based on nationwide health and nutrition surveys conducted on 19,593 Koreans aged 2 to 19 from 1998-2014.

Extreme or morbid obesity refers to those who have a body mass index of 30 or higher. A normal BMI ranges from 19-25.

“The morbid obesity of the young generation was especially prevalent among teenage boys,” said professor Lee Ki-hyung who led the research, adding that they could have an up to 66 times higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome -- raising the risks of heart disease, diabetes, stroke and other adult diseases -- compared to other teenagers.

By Kim Da-sol (ddd@heraldcorp.com)