South Korea
- Overview
- Obesity prevalence
- Trends over time
- Population breakdowns
- Drivers
- Comorbidities
- Health systems
- Actions
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National obesity risk *5.5/10This is a composite ‘obesity risk’ score (out of 10, the highest risk) based on obesity prevalence, rate of increase, likelihood of meeting the 2025 target, treatment indicator and childhood stunting levels.
* Based on estimated data. For more information see Publications
Obesity prevalence
Trends over time
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The report card collates all the most-recent graphics for this country. If you would like to produce a custom report based on selected graphics, just tap the Add to custom PDF button below the graphics you would like to use.Population breakdowns
Drivers
Comorbidities
Health systems
Obesity prevalence
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 19+ |
| Sample size: | 6126 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Lee J, Sa J. Regional disparities in healthy eating and nutritional status in South Korea: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017. Nutr Res Pract. 2020 Dec;14(6):679-690. doi: 10.4162/nrp.2020.14.6.679. Epub 2020 Oct 7. PMID: 33282128; PMCID: PMC7683206. |
| Definitions: | World Health Organization criteria for Asians are used: 1) underweight (BMI < 18.5), 2) normal weight (18.5 ≤ BMI < 23.0), 3) overweight (23.0 ≤ BMI < 25.0), and 4) obese (BMI ≥ 25.0) [17]. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO Asia |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 19-65 |
| References: | Jae Yong Lee, Yi-Ryoung Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Jun-Pyo Myong, Mo-Yeol Kang,Trends in Obesity Prevalence by Occupation Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey From 1998 to 2015, Safety and Health at Work Vol 11 (1);2020:97-102 |
| Notes: | 2007-9 (marked as 2008), 2010-2012 (marked as 2011), 2013-15 (marked as 2014) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2013-2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25-64 |
| Sample size: | 3315 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Kim YJ, Lee JS, Park J, et al. 'Trends in socioeconomic inequalities in five major risk factors for cardiovascular disease in the Korean population: a cross-sectional study using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001–2014' BMJ Open 2017;7:e014070. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014070 |
| Notes: | In paper Obesity was defined as a BMI of ≥25kg/m2, according to the criteria of Asia-Pacific region. These % relate to the BMI definitions below Overweight BMI=>25 kg/m2 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2011
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 19-65 |
| References: | Jae Yong Lee, Yi-Ryoung Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Jun-Pyo Myong, Mo-Yeol Kang,Trends in Obesity Prevalence by Occupation Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey From 1998 to 2015, Safety and Health at Work Vol 11 (1);2020:97-102 |
| Notes: | 2007-9 (marked as 2008), 2010-2012 (marked as 2011), 2013-15 (marked as 2014) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2008
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 19-65 |
| References: | Jae Yong Lee, Yi-Ryoung Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Jun-Pyo Myong, Mo-Yeol Kang,Trends in Obesity Prevalence by Occupation Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey From 1998 to 2015, Safety and Health at Work Vol 11 (1);2020:97-102 |
| Notes: | 2007-9 (marked as 2008), 2010-2012 (marked as 2011), 2013-15 (marked as 2014) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2007-2009
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 20+ |
| Sample size: | 17126 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Kang HT, Shim JY, Lee HR et al. Trends in Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Korean Adults, 1998-2009: The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. J Epidemilogy 2014;24(2):109-116 |
| Notes: | NB. Combined adult data estimated. These estimates were calculated by weighting male and female survey results. Weighting based on World Bank Population % total female 2019 (https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL.FE.ZS - accessed 21.10.20)' |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2005
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 19-65 |
| References: | Jae Yong Lee, Yi-Ryoung Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Jun-Pyo Myong, Mo-Yeol Kang,Trends in Obesity Prevalence by Occupation Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey From 1998 to 2015, Safety and Health at Work Vol 11 (1);2020:97-102 |
| Notes: | 2007-9 (marked as 2008), 2010-2012 (marked as 2011), 2013-15 (marked as 2014) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2001
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 19-65 |
| References: | Jae Yong Lee, Yi-Ryoung Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Jun-Pyo Myong, Mo-Yeol Kang,Trends in Obesity Prevalence by Occupation Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey From 1998 to 2015, Safety and Health at Work Vol 11 (1);2020:97-102 |
| Notes: | 2007-9 (marked as 2008), 2010-2012 (marked as 2011), 2013-15 (marked as 2014) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1998
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-79 |
| Sample size: | 8816 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Soon Paek H, Sook Yun Y, Yuul Park J, Seol Kim Y and Myung Choi J, (2003). Obesity, abdominal obesity, and clustering of cardiovascular risk factors in South Korea. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 12 (4): 411 - 418. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1998
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 19-65 |
| References: | Jae Yong Lee, Yi-Ryoung Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Jun-Pyo Myong, Mo-Yeol Kang,Trends in Obesity Prevalence by Occupation Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey From 1998 to 2015, Safety and Health at Work Vol 11 (1);2020:97-102 |
| Notes: | 2007-9 (marked as 2008), 2010-2012 (marked as 2011), 2013-15 (marked as 2014) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2013-2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 10-17 |
| Sample size: | 2685 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Heo S, Kwon S, Lee YM, Shin JY, Lee DH. Comparison of Trends in Blood Pressure and the Prevalence of Obesity Among Korean and American Adolescents: A 12-Years Cross-sectional Study. J Prev Med Public Health. 2020;53(1):45–55. doi:10.3961/jpmph.19.198 |
| Notes: | NB. Combined child data estimated. These estimates were calculated by weighting male and female survey results. Weighting based on World Bank Population % total female (https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL.FE.ZS - accessed 20.11.20) |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2010-2012
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 10-19 |
| Sample size: | 5418 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Bahk J, Khang YH. Trends in Measures of Childhood Obesity in Korea From 1998 to 2012. J Epidemiology Vol. 26 (2016) No. 4 P 199-207 |
| Notes: | IOTF cut off (other cut offs available) |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2003-2003
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 7-17 |
| Sample size: | 1083 |
| Area covered: | Sub National |
| References: | Matsushita Y, Yoshiike N, Kaneda F, Yoshita K and Takimoto H. (2004). Trends in childhood obesity in Lee K, Lee S, Kim SY, Kim SJ and Kim YJ. (2007). Percent body fat cutoff values for classifying overweight and obesity recommended by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) in Korean children. Asia Pac Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 16(4): 649 - 655. |
| Notes: | IOTF Cut off. Reference: Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal KM, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: International survey. BMJ. 2000 May 6;320(7244):1240-3. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
% Adults living with obesity in South Korea 1998-2014
% Adults living with overweight or obesity by socioeconomic group in South Korea 1998-2014
Women
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | Jae Yong Lee, Yi-Ryoung Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Jun-Pyo Myong, Mo-Yeol Kang,Trends in Obesity Prevalence by Occupation Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey From 1998 to 2015, Safety and Health at Work Vol 11 (1);2020:97-103 |
| Notes: | 2007-9 (marked as 2008), 2010-2012 (marked as 2011), 2013-15 (marked as 2014) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Men
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | Jae Yong Lee, Yi-Ryoung Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Jun-Pyo Myong, Mo-Yeol Kang,Trends in Obesity Prevalence by Occupation Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey From 1998 to 2015, Safety and Health at Work Vol 11 (1);2020:97-103 |
| Notes: | 2007-9 (marked as 2008), 2010-2012 (marked as 2011), 2013-15 (marked as 2014) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Adults living with overweight or obesity in South Korea 1998-2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | Jae Yong Lee, Yi-Ryoung Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Jun-Pyo Myong, Mo-Yeol Kang,Trends in Obesity Prevalence by Occupation Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey From 1998 to 2015, Safety and Health at Work Vol 11 (1);2020:97-102 |
| Notes: | 2007-9 (marked as 2008), 2010-2012 (marked as 2011), 2013-15 (marked as 2014) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Overweight/obesity by age
Adults, 2011
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 6155 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Kim et al. (2014). Prevalence, Awareness, and Management of Obesity in Korea: Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1998–2011). Diabetes Metab J 2014;38:35-43. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2007-2009
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 17126 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Kang HT, Shim JY, Lee HR et al. Trends in Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Korean Adults, 1998-2009: The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. J Epidemilogy 2014;24(2):109-116 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Overweight/obesity by region
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 19+ |
| Sample size: | 6126 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Lee J, Sa J. Regional disparities in healthy eating and nutritional status in South Korea: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017. Nutr Res Pract. 2020 Dec;14(6):679-690. doi: 10.4162/nrp.2020.14.6.679. Epub 2020 Oct 7. PMID: 33282128; PMCID: PMC7683206. |
| Definitions: | World Health Organization criteria for Asians are used: 1) underweight (BMI < 18.5), 2) normal weight (18.5 ≤ BMI < 23.0), 3) overweight (23.0 ≤ BMI < 25.0), and 4) obese (BMI ≥ 25.0) [17]. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO Asia |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Overweight/obesity by socio-economic group
Men, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 19-65 |
| References: | Jae Yong Lee, Yi-Ryoung Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Jun-Pyo Myong, Mo-Yeol Kang,Trends in Obesity Prevalence by Occupation Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey From 1998 to 2015, Safety and Health at Work Vol 11 (1);2020:97-103 |
| Notes: | 2007-9 (marked as 2008), 2010-2012 (marked as 2011), 2013-15 (marked as 2014) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 19-65 |
| References: | Jae Yong Lee, Yi-Ryoung Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Jun-Pyo Myong, Mo-Yeol Kang,Trends in Obesity Prevalence by Occupation Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey From 1998 to 2015, Safety and Health at Work Vol 11 (1);2020:97-103 |
| Notes: | 2007-9 (marked as 2008), 2010-2012 (marked as 2011), 2013-15 (marked as 2014) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2013-2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 19-64 |
| Sample size: | 7707 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Lee JY, Lee YR, Kim RH, Myong JP, Kang MY. Trends in Obesity Prevalence by Occupation Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey From 1998 to 2015. Saf Health Work. 2020 Mar;11(1):97-102. doi: 10.1016/j.shaw.2019.08.003. Epub 2019 Sep 3. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2013-2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 19-64 |
| Sample size: | 7707 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Lee JY, Lee YR, Kim RH, Myong JP, Kang MY. Trends in Obesity Prevalence by Occupation Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey From 1998 to 2015. Saf Health Work. 2020 Mar;11(1):97-102. doi: 10.1016/j.shaw.2019.08.003. Epub 2019 Sep 3. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2011
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 19-65 |
| References: | Jae Yong Lee, Yi-Ryoung Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Jun-Pyo Myong, Mo-Yeol Kang,Trends in Obesity Prevalence by Occupation Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey From 1998 to 2015, Safety and Health at Work Vol 11 (1);2020:97-103 |
| Notes: | 2007-9 (marked as 2008), 2010-2012 (marked as 2011), 2013-15 (marked as 2014) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2011
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 19-65 |
| References: | Jae Yong Lee, Yi-Ryoung Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Jun-Pyo Myong, Mo-Yeol Kang,Trends in Obesity Prevalence by Occupation Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey From 1998 to 2015, Safety and Health at Work Vol 11 (1);2020:97-103 |
| Notes: | 2007-9 (marked as 2008), 2010-2012 (marked as 2011), 2013-15 (marked as 2014) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2008
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 19-65 |
| References: | Jae Yong Lee, Yi-Ryoung Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Jun-Pyo Myong, Mo-Yeol Kang,Trends in Obesity Prevalence by Occupation Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey From 1998 to 2015, Safety and Health at Work Vol 11 (1);2020:97-103 |
| Notes: | 2007-9 (marked as 2008), 2010-2012 (marked as 2011), 2013-15 (marked as 2014) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2008
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 19-65 |
| References: | Jae Yong Lee, Yi-Ryoung Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Jun-Pyo Myong, Mo-Yeol Kang,Trends in Obesity Prevalence by Occupation Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey From 1998 to 2015, Safety and Health at Work Vol 11 (1);2020:97-103 |
| Notes: | 2007-9 (marked as 2008), 2010-2012 (marked as 2011), 2013-15 (marked as 2014) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2005
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 19-65 |
| References: | Jae Yong Lee, Yi-Ryoung Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Jun-Pyo Myong, Mo-Yeol Kang,Trends in Obesity Prevalence by Occupation Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey From 1998 to 2015, Safety and Health at Work Vol 11 (1);2020:97-103 |
| Notes: | 2007-9 (marked as 2008), 2010-2012 (marked as 2011), 2013-15 (marked as 2014) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2005
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 19-65 |
| References: | Jae Yong Lee, Yi-Ryoung Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Jun-Pyo Myong, Mo-Yeol Kang,Trends in Obesity Prevalence by Occupation Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey From 1998 to 2015, Safety and Health at Work Vol 11 (1);2020:97-103 |
| Notes: | 2007-9 (marked as 2008), 2010-2012 (marked as 2011), 2013-15 (marked as 2014) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2001
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 19-65 |
| References: | Jae Yong Lee, Yi-Ryoung Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Jun-Pyo Myong, Mo-Yeol Kang,Trends in Obesity Prevalence by Occupation Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey From 1998 to 2015, Safety and Health at Work Vol 11 (1);2020:97-103 |
| Notes: | 2007-9 (marked as 2008), 2010-2012 (marked as 2011), 2013-15 (marked as 2014) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2001
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 19-65 |
| References: | Jae Yong Lee, Yi-Ryoung Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Jun-Pyo Myong, Mo-Yeol Kang,Trends in Obesity Prevalence by Occupation Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey From 1998 to 2015, Safety and Health at Work Vol 11 (1);2020:97-103 |
| Notes: | 2007-9 (marked as 2008), 2010-2012 (marked as 2011), 2013-15 (marked as 2014) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 1998
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 19-65 |
| References: | Jae Yong Lee, Yi-Ryoung Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Jun-Pyo Myong, Mo-Yeol Kang,Trends in Obesity Prevalence by Occupation Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey From 1998 to 2015, Safety and Health at Work Vol 11 (1);2020:97-103 |
| Notes: | 2007-9 (marked as 2008), 2010-2012 (marked as 2011), 2013-15 (marked as 2014) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 1998
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 19-65 |
| References: | Jae Yong Lee, Yi-Ryoung Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Jun-Pyo Myong, Mo-Yeol Kang,Trends in Obesity Prevalence by Occupation Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey From 1998 to 2015, Safety and Health at Work Vol 11 (1);2020:97-103 |
| Notes: | 2007-9 (marked as 2008), 2010-2012 (marked as 2011), 2013-15 (marked as 2014) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Insufficient physical activity
Adults, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Men, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Women, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Children, 2010
| Age: | 11-17 |
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en |
| Notes: | % of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. |
| Definitions: | % Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate) |
Boys, 2010
| Age: | 11-17 |
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en |
| Notes: | % of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. |
| Definitions: | % Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate) |
Girls, 2010
| Age: | 11-17 |
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en |
| Notes: | % of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. |
| Definitions: | % Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate) |
Estimated per-capita fruit intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita fruit intake (g/day) |
Estimated per-capita processed meat intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita processed meat intake (g per day) |
Estimated per-capita whole grains intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita whole grains intake (g/day) |
Mental health - depression disorders
Adults, 2015
| References: | Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. |
| Definitions: | % of population with depression disorders |
Mental health - anxiety disorders
Adults, 2015
| References: | Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. |
| Definitions: | % of population with anxiety disorders |
Oesophageal cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, oesophagus, adults ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, oesophagus, adults ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Breast cancer
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, breast, females, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Colorectal cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, colorectum, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, colorectum, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Pancreatic cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, pancreas, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, pancreas, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Gallbladder cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, gallbladder, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, gallbladder, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Kidney cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, kidney, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, kidney, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Cancer of the uterus
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, cervix uteri, females, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Raised blood pressure
Adults, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Men, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Women, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Raised cholesterol
Adults, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Men, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Women, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Raised fasting blood glucose
Men, 2014
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication). |
Women, 2014
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication). |
Diabetes prevalence
Adults, 2017
| References: | Reproduced with kind permission of IDF, International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 8th edition. Brussels, Belgium: International Diabetes Federation, 2017. http://www.diabetesatlas.org |
| Definitions: | Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%). |
Health systems
Economic classification: High Income
Health systems summary
South Korea has a universal National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) through which it has achieved universal health coverage. Participation in NHIS is mandatory, with employees paying insurance premiums in advance from their pay and later co-payments when and if they use services. The contributions from employers and employees are the main funding source of the national service but it is supplemented by government subsidies and tobacco surcharges. Veterans and those with low income are eligible for a free medical aid programme that is provided by the national health insurance service and subsidised by local government – this covers approximately 3% of the population.
As the NHIS does not cover 100% of medical bills, much of the population have private health insurance, and out of pocket expenditure can be high. South Korea has among the highest private expenditure among OECD countries - it is estimated that 36% of total expenditure is out of pocket.
Indicators
| Where is the country’s government in the journey towards defining ‘Obesity as a disease’? | Some progress |
| Where is the country’s healthcare provider in the journey towards defining ‘Obesity as a disease’? | Some progress |
| Is there specialist training available dedicated to the training of health professionals to prevent, diagnose, treat and manage obesity? | Some progress |
| Have any taxes or subsidies been put in place to protect/assist/inform the population around obesity? | No |
| Are there adequate numbers of trained health professionals in specialties relevant to obesity in urban areas? | Some progress |
| Are there adequate numbers of trained health professionals in specialties relevant to obesity in rural areas? | No |
| Are there any obesity-specific recommendations or guidelines published for adults? | Yes |
| Are there any obesity-specific recommendations or guidelines published for children? | Yes |
| In practice, how is obesity treatment largely funded? | Out of pocket |
Summary of stakeholder feedback
Generally, stakeholders felt that neither the government nor the healthcare financing mechanisms fully recognise obesity as a disease. It was considered, however, that this was starting to change as obesity prevalence rises. There is said to be few programmes concerning obesity prevention.
Similarly, it was reported that most of the Korean population do not believe obesity to be a disease (or a medical issue at all). The result is that few people living with obesity enter the health system. Despite a BMI of >25 kg/m² being the official cut-off for obesity in South Korea, it tends to be only those with comorbidities that get treatment. Generally, there are no clear pathways nor is there an obesity-specific referral system.
Due to the lack of coverage under the NHIS scheme, treatment is mostly paid for out-of-pocket. It was acknowledged that this may start to change as the NHIS started covering bariatric surgery in January 2019.
There is said to be an inadequate number of suitably qualified obesity treatment professionals in South Korea and no official national guidelines. All stakeholders noted, however, that academic and professional societies have produced obesity guidelines for adults and children. Specialist obesity training is limited.
Based on interviews/survey returns from 3 stakeholders
Last updated: June 2020
