Obesity in Korean Men: Results from the Fourth through Sixth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2007~2014)

Abstract

PurposeObesity is related to many diseases, including urological conditions. We investigated the prevalence, risk factors, and treatment of male obesity.Materials and MethodsThis study included 17,485 men older than 20 years of age who participated in the fourth, fifth, and sixth administrations of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Two main cutoff points for obesity were defined: a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 and a BMI≥30 kg/m2. Additionally, we defined obesity requiring pharmacotherapy as the presence of a BMI≥30 kg/m2 or a BMI≥27 kg/m2 co-occurring with at least one associated comorbid medical condition, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, or diabetes.ResultsThe prevalence rates of a BMI≥25 kg/m2, a BMI≥30 kg/m2, and obesity requiring pharmacotherapy were 35.7%, 3.4%, and 10.5%, respectively. The prevalence of obesity increased over time for all definitions of obesity. The prevalence of obesity requiring pharmacotherapy was highest in Jeju (12.5%) and lowest in Gangwon-do (7.7%). Having a higher income, being a non-manual worker, and having completed a high level of education were significantly related to obesity requiring pharmacotherapy. More than 70% of patients with obesity requiring pharmacotherapy reported taking diet pills, eating functional foods, or consuming a one-food diet for weight reduction, but only 13.9% reported exercising for this purpose.ConclusionsMale obesity is a common condition, the prevalence of which is expected to continue to increase over time. A better strategy is required to manage male obesity in Korea.

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“…which ultimately lead to high calorie intake [3]. Men also tend to have lower body image dissatisfaction than women.…”

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“…However, the second highest egg positive rate was reported in Chungcheongnam-do, where the GBC incidence rate is not as high [ 24 ]. Other studies have shown that the prevalence of obesity requiring pharmacotherapy was highest in regions with a low incidence rate of GBC, except for in Jeju [ 25 ]. Although obesity is a risk factor for GBC, its nationwide distribution is not associated with its distribution in Korea.…”

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“…These factors might improve our understanding of the prognostic value of obesity for RCC prognosis, although BMI is the most commonly used obesity index in clinical studies and real practice. Finally, we only considered Korean patients, and it is possible that there are ethnic or regional factors that affected our findings, which may not be representative of other ethnic groups and especially Western populations …”

“…Finally, we only considered Korean patients, and it is possible that there are ethnic or regional factors that affected our findings, which may not be representative of other ethnic groups and especially Western populations. 1,32…”