South Korea

2020 Korean Society for the Study of Obesity Guidelines for the Management of Obesity in Korea

The 2020 Korean Society for the Study of Obesity Guideline for the Management of Obesity in Korea summarizes evidence-based recommendations and treatment guidelines.

2018 Korean Society for the Study of Obesity Guideline for the Management of Obesity in Korea

These guidelines focus on guiding clinicians and patients to manage obesity more effectively. The recommendations and treatment algorithms can serve as a guide for the evaluation, prevention, and management of overweight and obesity.

Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric obesity: recommendations from the Committee on Pediatric Obesity of the Korean Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutritio

The following areas were systematically reviewed, especially on the basis of all available references published in South Korea and worldwide, and new guidelines were established in each area with the strength of recommendations based on the levels of evidence: (1) definition and diagnosis of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents; (2) principles of treatment of pediatric obesity; (3) behavioral interventions for children and adolescents with obesity, including diet, exercise, lifestyle, and mental health; (4) pharmacotherapy; and (5) bariatric surgery.

Comprehensive plan for Obesity Prevention and Control

South Korea's national obesity strategy, including physical activity guidelines

White Paper, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety

The Physical Activity Guide for Koreans

Korea's physical activity strategy and guidelines.

General dietary guidelines for Koreans

In 1991, the National dietary guidelines were first published by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. In 2002-2003, general and age-based guidelines were announced and revised in 2008-2009. In 2016, the General Dietary Guidelines for Koreans were established as common guidelines of inter-government ministries.

Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric obesity

Provides an evidence-based systematic approach to childhood obesity in South Korea. Emphasises a family-based, comprehensive, multidisciplinary behavioural intervention which focuses on modifying lifestyle (calorie-controlled balanced diet, active vigorous physical activity and exercise, and reduction of sedentary habits, and support by the entire family, school, and community). Also emphasises the importance of starting early in life.

Code of Advertising Ethics

The Code states that advertising for children and youth should not express anything that might spoil them physically or morally. It also states that Criteria for concrete activities shall conform to the ICC Advertising Activities Standards"

Special Act on Safety Control of Children's Dietary Life

The South Korean Special Act on Safety Control of Children's Dietary Life recommends colour-coded labelling for use on the front of pre-packaged children's "favourite food" including cookies/candies/popsicles, breads, chocolates, dairy products, sausage (fish or meat based), some beverages, instant noodles and fast food (seaweed rolls, hamburgers, sandwiches). Guidance for the front-of-pack colour-coded labelling was issued by Public Notice (2011), and outlines three permitted designs using green, amber and red to identify whether products contain low, medium or high levels of total sugars, fat, saturated fat, and sodium.

The Foods Labelling Standards & The Labelling Standard for Health Functional Food

In South Korea, a nutrient list must be provided on select categories of pre-packaged food, including cookies/candies/popsicles, breads and dumplings, cocoa products, jams, oils, noodles and pasta, drinks and beverages, and food of special use. The Foods Labelling Standards were first enacted in 1996, and the Labelling Standard for Health Functional Food in 2004; both Standards have been revised several times since then. Based on the 1st Master Plan on Reducing Sugar Intake 2016–20 and the 2016 White Paper by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, further categories will be required to bear nutrient lists with a three-stage implementation between 2017 and 2022 (including cereals, ready-to-eat products and ready-to-cook products in 2017; dressings and sauces in 2018–19; Korean-style boiled grain-/meat-/fish-based food and processed food based on fruit or vegetable purees/pastes in 2020–22).

The Special Act on the Safety Management of Children’s Dietary Life

In South Korea, TV advertising to children under 18 years of age is prohibited for specific categories of food before, during and after programmes shown between 5pm–7pm and during other children’s programmes (Article 10 of the Special Act on the Safety Management of Children’s Dietary Life, as amended 2010). The restriction also applies to advertising on TV, radio and internet that includes “gratuitous” incentives to purchase (eg free toys).