After COVID-19, the number of 'Hwakjjinja' increased... 48% of men obese with decreased physical activity

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] The obesity prevalence rate among adult men and women aged 19 and older increased last year. In particular, the obesity prevalence rate among men rose sharply, with more than half of those in their 30s and 40s confirmed to be obese.

On the 14th, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced the results of the "2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey." The survey is a representative health statistics survey that produces over 250 health indicators including smoking, drinking, nutrition, and chronic diseases. It was introduced in 1998 and is conducted annually on about 10,000 people aged 1 year and older.

According to the survey, chronic diseases and mental health have worsened compared to before the COVID-19 outbreak. In particular, the obesity prevalence rate deteriorated, with the male obesity rate reaching 48% last year, a significant increase from 41.8% recorded in 2019. The male obesity rate was the highest since the survey began in 1998, with those in their 30s and 40s recording rates of 58.2% and 50.7%, respectively.

Additionally, men showed increases in the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and diabetes, while women showed no significant changes.

The hypertension prevalence rate was 28.6% for men and 16.8% for women, with men in their 40s and 50s recording 31.5% and 45.4%, respectively, the highest figures since the survey began.

The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was 20.2% for men and 18.8% for women. Among men, the rate increased across all age groups compared to 2019, with a sharp rise in the 40s age group from 20.4% in 2019 to 28.2% last year.

On the other hand, walking practice rates and aerobic physical activity rates were found to be declining. The walking practice rate was 39.2% last year, down from 43.5% in 2019. The physical activity practice rate also continued to decrease, recording the lowest rate of 45.6% since the survey began. The largest decline in physical activity practice rate was observed among people in their 20s.

The prevalence of depressive disorders showed a decreasing trend but slightly increased to 5.7% last year. Mental health deteriorated significantly among women compared to men, and by age group, among men in their 30s and women in their 20s.

Meanwhile, smoking indicators continued to improve. The current smoking rate among adult men based on cigarette consumption steadily decreased, reaching a record low of 34% last year.

Jung Eun-kyung, director of the KDCA, said, "The year 2020 was the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, and changes were observed in the health level of our people." She added, "In particular, the obesity prevalence rate among men in their 30s and 40s increased sharply, so it is necessary to identify the causes and conduct continuous monitoring and investigation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.