Nearly half of all South Koreans aged 75 and older—50.2%—are now classified as having abdominal obesity, a significant increase over the past decade, according to data released this week by the Korean Society for Obesity. This rise in central adiposity, often referred to as belly fat, is raising concerns among health officials due to its strong link to increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, particularly in an aging population. The growing prevalence of abdominal obesity in older adults highlights a critical public health issue requiring attention and preventative measures.
The findings, presented on February 18, 2026, are based on an analysis of data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency between 2013 and 2023. Researchers combined data from two to three-year periods to enhance statistical validity. Abdominal obesity is defined as a waist circumference of 90cm or more for men and 85cm or more for women. The study revealed a notable gender disparity, with 55.4% of women over 75 exhibiting abdominal obesity compared to 42.2% of men.
This increase represents a substantial shift from earlier years. The rate of abdominal obesity among those 75 and older rose from 39.3% between 2013 and 2015 to 50.2% between 2022 and 2023—a 10.9 percentage point increase in just under a decade. Notably, the rate of increase in abdominal obesity is outpacing the overall rate of obesity in this age group; while abdominal obesity climbed over 10 percentage points, overall obesity only increased from 32.6% to 34.9% during the same period.
The Risks of Central Adiposity in Older Adults
The Korean Society for Obesity emphasizes that abdominal obesity poses a greater health risk than general obesity. The location of fat—specifically, visceral fat around the abdominal organs—is strongly correlated with metabolic dysfunction. According to the society, men and postmenopausal women are particularly susceptible to developing abdominal obesity even with a normal body weight due to an increase in visceral fat. This underscores the importance of considering waist circumference as a key health indicator, even for individuals who appear to be within a healthy weight range.
The increased risk associated with abdominal obesity is substantial. Compared to individuals with a normal waist circumference, those with the largest waist measurements (100cm or more for men, 95cm or more for women) face a 1.7 times higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The risk of hypertension increases by 1.2 times, and the risk of hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) increases by 1.1 times. The likelihood of experiencing cardiovascular disease is as well elevated by 1.1 times.
Lifestyle Factors and Potential Interventions
Experts attribute the rise in abdominal obesity among older Koreans to a combination of factors, including dietary shifts towards more calorie-dense foods and a decrease in physical activity. The Korean Society for Obesity notes that even without significant weight loss, reducing waist circumference can improve metabolic health. They recommend a combination of dietary modifications and increased exercise, similar to approaches used for general obesity treatment.
For individuals who struggle to improve their waist circumference through lifestyle changes alone, the society suggests considering pharmacological interventions under the guidance of a healthcare professional. However, they emphasize that lifestyle interventions remain the cornerstone of treatment. Addressing the underlying causes of abdominal obesity—poor diet and lack of exercise—is crucial for long-term health and well-being.
The increasing rates of abdominal obesity in South Korea’s aging population underscore the demand for proactive public health strategies. Early detection through regular health screenings, coupled with targeted interventions promoting healthy lifestyles, are essential to mitigate the growing risk of chronic diseases and improve the quality of life for older adults. Further research is needed to understand the specific factors driving this trend and to develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
The Korean Society for Obesity plans to continue monitoring trends in obesity and abdominal obesity through ongoing analysis of national health data. The next comprehensive report is expected in early 2027, providing an updated assessment of the situation and informing future public health initiatives. Readers are encouraged to discuss their individual risk factors with their healthcare providers and to prioritize a healthy lifestyle.
