-43.0% of Korean male children and adolescents, 24.6% of female children and adolescents, overweight or obese
-The normal weight ratio is also the lowest among the four East Asian countries.
The joint research team of Professor Hong Yong-hee,Department of Pediatrics,Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital,Researcher Soo-jin Park,Health Economics Lab,College of Health Sciences,Korea University,Dr. A-Ram Seol of the korea Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, and Professor Yoon Lee, Department of Pediatrics, Korea University anam Hospital, collaborated on the ’NCD Risk Factor Collaboration’. )”s obesity rate data for children and adolescents in Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, etc. from 2010 to 2022. We investigated changes in weight distribution and trends in obesity prevalence among children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 in four East Asian countries, and confirmed changes in obesity prevalence using trend analysis.
As an inevitable result, the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents in the four East Asian countries has steadily increased over the past 12 years, and as of 2022, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among korean children and adolescents was the highest among the four countries, at 43.0% for boys and 24.6% for girls. In addition, as an inevitable result of analyzing the prevalence by weight group (underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity), it was found that the underweight and normal weight groups in China and Japan decreased, but the overweight and obesity groups increased.
In particular, it was confirmed that the normal weight ratio of Korean children and adolescents was 55.0% for boys and 73.3% for girls, which was significantly lower than that of China, Japan, and Taiwan, raising a red flag for the health of children and adolescents in Korea.
In particular, the researchers said that in all four East Asian countries, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was highest in the 10- to 11-year-old age group, so active intervention and intervention is needed before the age of 10 to 11.
Professor Hong Yong-hee said, “The increase in obesity in children and adolescents leads to complications such as high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and diabetes, increasing the burden of chronic diseases in our society. “Not only obesity but also underweight can have negative consequences on the health of children and adolescents, so we must pay attention to the decline in the normal weight group, which is an indicator directly related to the health of children and adolescents in our country,” he explained.
Professor Lee Yoon said, “compared to China, Japan, and Taiwan, where we have similar physical conditions, we are more concerned about the health of children and adolescents in our country. “This is a time when we need a review of related policies
This study is titled ‘Changes in weight distribution and trends in obesity among children and adolescents in East Asia: Insights from NCD-RisC data.’ It was published in the November issue of ‘PLOS ONE (IF: 2.9)’, a SCIE-level global professional journal published by the Public Library of science in the United States.
Song Chi-hoon, Donga.com reporter [email protected]
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How can parents and schools work together to promote healthier lifestyles for children in Korea?
Time.News Interview: Addressing the Rising Obesity Rates Among Children in East Asia
Editor: Welcome, Professor Hong Yong-hee. thank you for joining us today to discuss your critically important findings on childhood obesity in East Asia, particularly your recent research on Korean children and adolescents.
Professor hong: Thank you for having me.It’s a critical conversation to have given the troubling trends we’ve observed.
editor: According to your research, Korean children and adolescents have the highest rates of overweight and obesity among their peers in China, Japan, and Taiwan. Can you share what specifically contributed to this alarming statistic?
Professor Hong: Absolutely. Our study indicates that the prevalence of obesity among Korean boys is at 43.0% and 24.6% for girls, which is indeed concerning. A combination of dietary habits,a sedentary lifestyle,and possibly socio-cultural factors contributes to this trend. Fast food consumption has risen, physical activity levels have decreased, and academic pressures also play a role in the reduced leisure time for children.
Editor: It truly seems that the normal weight ratios are substantially lower in Korea compared to other East Asian countries. What are the implications of this on the overall health of Korean youth?
Professor Hong: the low normal weight ratios—55.0% for boys and 73.3% for girls—are alarming. These figures suggest that more than half of the boy population is either overweight or obese, which can lead to serious health issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and psychological problems related to self-esteem and bullying. Immediate intervention is crucial to reverse these trends.
Editor: You mentioned the importance of targeting interventions before the age of 10 to 11. Can you elaborate on the type of interventions that might be effective?
Professor Hong: Yes, early intervention is key. We recommend implementing educational programs that encourage healthier eating habits and physical activity, as well as involving parents in lifestyle changes.Schools can also play a pivotal role by providing healthier meal options and including more physical education in their curriculums. It’s about creating an habitat that fosters healthy choices from a young age.
Editor: How do you envision collaboration among East Asian countries to tackle this growing issue of childhood obesity collectively?
Professor Hong: Collaboration is crucial. By sharing research, successful intervention strategies, and public health policies, we can learn from one another’s experiences. Joint campaigns that promote healthy lifestyles across borders coudl strengthen the message and impact. Working together can amplify our efforts, making them more effective in combating obesity in the region.
Editor: Given the challenges you’ve highlighted, what role do you think policymakers shoudl play in addressing childhood obesity in Korea?
Professor Hong: Policymakers need to take this issue seriously as it affects the future health of the nation. Implementing regulations on food marketing to children, increasing funding for community sports programs, and supporting public health initiatives that focus on obesity prevention are all vital measures. awareness campaigns are also necessary to educate families on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and address the stigma associated with obesity.
Editor: Thank you, Professor Hong, for shedding light on such a critical public health issue. Your insights will undoubtedly help guide efforts to improve the health outcomes of children and adolescents in Korea and the region.
Professor Hong: Thank you for having me. It’s essential we continue these discussions and drive action for the sake of our future generations.