The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said on the 10th that 1 in 3 adults in Korea is obese (34.4%), with South Jeolla and Jeju each at 36.8%, the highest by region, and Sejong at 29.1%, the lowest, it was found.
These results are an analysis of the data from the "2024 Community Health Survey," which the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency conducts annually across 17 metropolitan municipalities. The obesity rate refers to the share of people whose body mass index (BMI), calculated from self-reported weight and height, is 25 or higher.
◇"One in two say 'I am obese'… women perceive themselves as heavier than they are"
The adult obesity rate in Korea has steadily risen, reaching 34.4% in 2024. This is about a 30.8% increase compared with 2015 (26.3%). By sex, men were 41.4% and women 23.0%, with men about 1.8 times higher than women. Men showed especially high rates in their 30s (53.1%) and 40s (50.3%), when social activity is active, with more than half classified as obese. Women showed relatively higher rates among older adults, those in their 60s (26.6%) and 70s (27.9%).
Half of all adults (54.9%) perceived themselves as obese. Among those who are obese, the share who recognized their condition was 77.8% for men and 89.8% for women, with most accurately understanding their body type. In contrast, among those who are not obese, 13.0% of men and 28.2% of women thought they were obese, showing a larger gap between actual body type and perception among women.
About 3 in 5 adults (65%) had tried to lose or maintain weight. Among people with obesity, the rate of attempting weight control was about 8 in 10—74.7% for men and 78.4% for women—and even among those without obesity, 42.0% of men and 64.6% of women engaged in weight management. In both groups, older age was associated with a lower rate of attempting weight control.
Among the 17 metropolitan governments, South Jeolla and Jeju had the highest obesity rates (36.8% each), and Sejong had the lowest (29.1%). Over the past 10 years, the obesity rate by city and province increased in all regions. South Jeolla rose from 25.4% in 2015 to 36.8% in 2024, up 11.4 percentage points, the largest increase, followed by Ulsan and South Chungcheong. In contrast, Sejong rose from 26.2% to 29.1% over the same period, up only 2.9 percentage points, the smallest increase. Daejeon and Gangwon also had relatively small increases.
By basic local governments (three-year average), Danyang County, North Chungcheong (44.6%), Cheorwon County, Gangwon (41.9%), and Boeun County, North Chungcheong (41.4%) had the highest obesity rates. In contrast, Gwacheon, Gyeonggi (22.1%), Seo District, Daejeon (23.1%), and Suseong District, Daegu (23.7%) were lower. The ratio of the highest Danyang County to the lowest Gwacheon was about 2 to 1. Within-province disparity was largest in Gyeonggi at 1.76 and smallest in Ulsan at 1.11.
◇Korea is below the OECD average but on a clear rise
Obesity has emerged as a serious public health issue not only in advanced economies but also in developing countries. According to health statistics from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Korea's obesity rate is 36.5%, lower than the OECD average of 56.4%, but it continues to rise due to a Westernized diet and lifestyle changes.
Obesity is known as a chronic condition that increases the risk of various cancers—such as colorectal, liver, pancreatic, kidney, endometrial, esophageal, and breast cancers—as well as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders.
Although anti-obesity drugs have drawn attention recently, losing weight with medication alone can lead to nutrient deficiencies, loss of muscle mass and bone density, and metabolic abnormalities. Stopping the medication can cause rapid weight regain and an increased risk of worse metabolic status. Experts therefore emphasize that lifestyle changes—such as a balanced, low-calorie diet and regular exercise—are essential.
For dietary control, an intake of 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight is recommended to prevent muscle loss. It is advisable to eat three regular meals a day, focusing on vegetables, a half-bowl of mixed grains, protein foods such as eggs, fish, and chicken, and an appropriate amount of fat.
For exercise, at least 150 minutes a week of moderate or higher intensity aerobic activity that makes you short of breath and sweat is recommended. Strength training is recommended at least twice a week.
Im Seung-gwan, commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, said, "Through the Community Health Survey and the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we will strengthen the evidence for preventing and managing chronic diseases, including obesity, and continue to promote the training of chronic disease specialists (FMTP) and the discovery and dissemination of best practices to support evidence-based public health projects at local health centers."