“I tried not to touch cigarettes for the rest of my life… .”
Mr. lim (26),who lives in Mapo-gu,Seoul,said,“I recently started smoking due to work stress,” and added,“Many of my colleagues and seniors and juniors naturally smoke during breaks or company dinners.” As the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19) slowed, drinking alcohol increased again, and body mass index (BMI) rose to over 25, which is classified as ‘obesity’.
Last year, a survey showed that the smoking and obesity rates among the 2030 generation increased, raising a red flag for their health.The overall smoking rate also turned on the rise for the first time in five years.
●Smoking among men in their 50s and women in their 20s increases significantly
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced in the ‘2023 National Health and Nutrition Survey’ announced on the 3rd that the cigarette smoking rate was 19.6%, an increase of 1.9 percentage points compared to the previous year (17.7%). The smoking rate continued to decline from 22.4% in 2018, but returned to an upward trend last year for the first time in five years. The use rate of liquid electronic cigarettes also increased by 1 percentage point from 3.5% in 2022 to 4.5% in 2023.
cigarette-type cigarette smoking rates increased in all age groups except those in their 60s or older, and the increase was particularly large among men in their 50s and women in their 20s. For men in their 50s, the smoking rate increased by 9.6 percentage points from 32.5% in 2022 to 42.1% last year. For women in their 20s, the rate nearly doubled from 5.8% to 12.1% over the same period. However, in the case of women in their 20s, the smoking rate remained in the 10-11% range from 2018 to 2021, but fell by half in 2022, so there may have been a problem with the last survey.
An official from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said, “As face-to-face gatherings increase after the spread of COVID-19 has come to an end, the overall smoking rate is showing an upward trend,” adding, “As the smoking rate survey was changed from offline to online since last year, it is possible that more ‘hidden smokers’ responded. “There is,” he said. He also said, “The sharp decline in the smoking rate among women in their 20s followed by a sharp increase may be a temporary rebound, so we will watch and analyze it further.”
This survey has been conducted on approximately 10,000 people every year since 1998, and calculates over 250 indicators, including smoking rates and high-risk drinking rates.
●Increasing female obesity rate by 2030
<img src="https://dimg.donga.com/wIn the case of women in their 20s and 30s, various health indicators were found to have worsened in addition to the smoking rate. The obesity rate among women in their 20s was 22.1%, up 3.9 percentage points from the previous year, and among women in their 30s, it was 27.3%, up 5.5 percentage points from the previous year. The overall obesity rate also increased by 2.1% from the previous year to 27.8% for women, while it decreased by 2.1% from the previous year to 45.6% for men. For women in their 20s and 30s, the average amount of alcohol consumed per time is more then 5 drinks, and the 'high-risk drinking rate' of drinking more than twice a week also increased slightly, showing a contrast with men in their 20s and 30s, were the rate decreased.
In terms of dietary habits, there has been a trend toward decreased consumption of grains and fruits and increased consumption of meat and beverages.Additionally, the rate of energy intake through fat has also increased. In particular, women in their 20s were found to be at a dangerous level as they consumed 30.1% of their nutrients as fat. The aerobic physical activity practice rate also decreased slightly from the previous year to 54.4% for men and 50.4% for women.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency plans to introduce tracking surveys starting in 2025 to more deeply understand changes in health behavior and the causes of chronic diseases.Oh Sang-woo, a professor of family medicine at Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, said, “As eating habits continue to change, the number of patients with severe obesity is increasing among the younger age group,” and added, “There is a need to strengthen policy efforts such as education to encourage active consumption of healthy food.”
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What are the long-term health risks associated with rising smoking adn obesity rates among young adults in South Korea?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Health Expert on Rising Smoking and Obesity Rates Among Young Adults in South Korea
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Kim. The recent report from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has raised some serious concerns about the increase in smoking and obesity rates among the 2030 generation. What are your initial thoughts on these findings?
Dr. Kim (Health Expert): Thank you for having me. It’s indeed alarming to see the rise in smoking and obesity rates, especially among young adults. Smoking rates among women in their 20s have nearly doubled, and the obesity rates for both women in their 20s and 30s have also increased significantly. This is indicative of a troubling trend that could have severe long-term health implications.
TNE: The report indicates that working professionals may be more prone to pick up smoking due to stress. Can you elaborate on the relationship between work stress and smoking behavior?
Dr. Kim: Absolutely. In high-pressure environments, many individuals turn to smoking as a coping mechanism. It might provide a temporary relief from stress, especially when peers are also engaging in smoking during breaks or after work. This social aspect can make quitting more challenging and could lead to a cycle of dependency.
TNE: The fact that the smoking rate among men in their 50s and women in their 20s is increasing raises questions. Why do you think we’re seeing such a significant spike in these demographics?
Dr. Kim: The sharp increase among men in their 50s may relate to lifestyle changes and stressors unique to that age group, especially as they face career pressures and health awareness. For women in their 20s, societal influences and the normalization of smoking in social settings could contribute to their smoking habits. The post-pandemic world has seen a resurgence in social gatherings, which could also be a trigger.
TNE: The obesity rates are equally concerning. What factors do you believe are contributing to the rising obesity levels among young women in South Korea?
Dr. Kim: Several factors are at play here. Dietary habits have shifted—therS been a decline in grain and fruit consumption and an increase in meat, which tends to have more calories. Coupled with higher alcohol consumption and sedentary lifestyles, these dietary changes can significantly impact body weight.Young women, in particular, are frequently enough balancing work alongside personal and social pressures, which can lead to unhealthy eating behaviors.
TNE: In terms of preventive measures,what steps can the government and organizations take to address these issues?
dr.Kim: First, comprehensive public health campaigns focusing on stress management and healthy lifestyle choices are crucial.Providing support systems for smoking cessation and promoting healthier dietary options in workplaces can also go a long way. Education on the long-term health risks associated with both smoking and obesity should be emphasized, particularly in high-stress job environments.
TNE: the report mentions a shift in survey methodology that could have impacted reported smoking rates.How significant do you think this is in interpreting the data?
Dr. Kim: The shift from offline to online surveys could certainly influence how responses are gathered. Individuals may feel more agreeable admitting to their smoking habits in an anonymous online format.this could reveal a previously hidden population of smokers, leading to a more accurate understanding of smoking trends, but it also necessitates caution in interpreting abrupt shifts in data.
TNE: what advice would you give to young adults grappling with these issues?
Dr. Kim: Prioritize your health and well-being.Engaging in open conversations about stress and mental health with peers can create a supportive habitat. Seek healthier coping strategies beyond smoking and binge drinking; exercise, mindfulness, and healthy eating are all beneficial alternatives. Remember, it’s vital to reach out for professional help if you’re struggling to cope.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Kim.your insights are invaluable as we navigate these pressing public health issues.
Dr. Kim: Thank you for the possibility! It’s crucial that we continue these conversations for the sake of our future generations.