South Korea health survey shows rising obesity in men

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) released the results of the ‘2025 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey,’ revealing concerning shifts in health indicators across different age groups in South Korea.

Middle-aged men are facing a significant rise in obesity and chronic conditions. The obesity rate for men in their 30s jumped from 49.1% to 59.0% in one year, while the rate for those in their 50s rose to 54.0%. Additionally, men in their 40s and 50s saw sharp increases in hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Specifically, the prevalence of diabetes among men in their 50s rose from 16.6% to 24.3%.

In contrast, younger populations (20s and 30s) showed mixed results. While alcohol consumption rates improved, there was a notable increase in tobacco use, particularly among women in their 30s and men in their 20s. Physical activity levels, including aerobic exercise, strength training, and walking, declined across most age groups. Dietary trends also shifted, with a decrease in fruit and vegetable intake and an increase in the consumption of beverages and fats.

The survey also introduced new metrics regarding social determinants of health. While social support remains high at 94.5%, satisfaction with life was reported to be lower among the 20s-30s and 70s age groups. KDCA Commissioner Lim Seung-kwan noted that health behaviors and chronic disease risks vary significantly by age, requiring targeted policy approaches.