Key facts
- 34.4% of South Koreans aged 19 and older were obese in 2024.
- The obesity rate in 2024 is a slight increase from 2021.
- Obesity rates were significantly higher among men.
- Men in their 30s and 40s showed particularly high obesity rates.
- Data was released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.
In 2024, 34.4% of South Koreans aged 19 and older were classified as obese, marking a slight rise from previous years. This data comes from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). The agency's report indicates that the prevalence of obesity is notably higher among men compared to women. Specifically, men in their 30s and 40s exhibit particularly elevated rates of obesity. This trend underscores a continuing public health challenge within the South Korean population. The KDCA's findings are based on comprehensive data collection and analysis aimed at understanding and addressing the nation's health landscape.