(P15-026-24) Sex-Difference in Obesity Prevalence and Obesity-Related Health Behaviors in South Korea: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2022

Objectives: A significant increase in obesity prevalence was observed in Korean men , while there was no significant change in Korean women. This study examined the trends in obesity and obesity-related health behaviors that may contribute to the sex difference in obesity prevalence.

Methods: The study included a nationally representative sample of 74,227 Korean men and women (Men: 30,730, Women: 43,497; aged 19 years or older) who participated in Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2007 through 2022. Obesity was defined by body mass index (BMI) 25kg/m² or higher. The sex-specific 15-year trends in prevalence of obesity and obesity-related health behaviors (diet, alcohol drinking, physical activity, and sleep duration) were estimated for three age groups (19~39, 40~59, and 60 or older).

Results: During the study period, the obesity prevalence (BMI ≥ 25) increased in men from 35.9% to 45.4% (ß = 0.768, P < 0.001) and the increasing trends were consistently observed in all age groups. Among women, the obesity prevalence decreased in older age groups (40-59 years: 33.4% to 27.0%; ≥ 60 years: 47.1% to 36.4%), whereas the prevalence increased in the youngest age group (19-39 years: 12.7% to 19.1%, ß = 0.359, P < 0.001). The prevalence of walking practice (≥ 5 days/week, ≥ 30 minutes each day) significantly decreased in men (ß = -0.288, P < 0.001), whereas among women the prevalence of practicing adequate walking (ß = 0.251, P < 0.001) and muscle-strengthening activity (≥ 2 days/week: ß = 0.278, P = < 0.001) significantly increased. The prevalence of alcohol drinking also significantly decreased in men (current alcohol drinking: ß = -0.508, P < 0.001; binge drinking: ß = -0.520, P < 0.001), while it increased in women, especially in the youngest group (current alcohol drinking: ß = 0.534, P < 0.001; binge drinking: ß = 0.480, P < 0.001). The prevalence of short sleeping increased significantly in men (ß = 0.113, P = 0.020), while it decreased in women (ß = -0.236, P < 0.001). The trends in total caloric intake and macronutrient composition were similar in men and women.

Conclusions: There were several sex-differences in trends in obesity-related health behaviors among Korean adults. Some of these differences paralleled with the sex-difference in obesity prevalence.

Funding Sources: BK21 Four Institute of Precision Public Health