Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Korea

In Korea, a person with a body mass index (BMI) >= 25 kg/m(2) is considered obese, and a person with a BMI >= 30 kg/m(2) is classified as severely obese. Central obesity is defined as a waist circumference >= 90 cm for Korean men and >= 85 cm for Korean women. Recent epidemiologic data show that the prevalence of severe obesity and metabolic syndrome is steadily increasing. These epidemics increased morbidity and mortality of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity-related cancers such as breast, colorectal, and other cancers in Korea. Decreased physical activity, increased fat and alcohol consumption, heavy smoking, and stress/depressed mood are the primary modifiable life-style risk factors for Koreans. Recently, public health interventions to encourage life-style changes have shown promising results in reducing the prevalence of severe obesity and metabolic syndrome.