As the New Year begins, gyms are crowded, and the Internet is overflowing with diet information. However, many people make resolutions every year only to find them fizzling out in just a few days. Effective dieting requires relying on accurate information and a smart approach. Rather than “easy diets” aimed at weight loss, adopting a “smart diet” that uses technology to help create healthy lifestyle habits is important.
Increasing Obesity Rate… Am I at Risk?
Obesity rates among adults in South Korea are steadily rising. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KCDC) on Thursday, the adult obesity rate in South Korea reached 32.5% in 2022, an increase of 0.3 percentage points compared to the previous year’s figure of 32.2%. The obesity rate was highest among individuals in their 30s at 35.8%, followed by 34.1% in their 40s and 31.5% in their 50s.
Notably, severe obesity has significantly increased among younger adults. According to the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity, the rate of severe obesity in adults in their 20s to 40s has tripled over the last decade. “Skinny fat,” having a high body fat percentage and low muscle mass while they may not appear overweight, is becoming increasingly common among young women. According to InBody’s 2024 report, the rate of “skinny fat” among South Korean women in their 20s is 15.8%, the highest among the countries surveyed.
Obesity-related issues go beyond appearance. Obesity is a major contributor to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The risks are even more significant in cases of severe obesity. “Skinny fat” individuals also have an increased risk of metabolic syndrome due to fat accumulation inside the body, and this condition should not be ignored.
Experts recommend a personalized approach to dieting, considering each individual’s body type and lifestyle. Key elements include diet control, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management. A balanced diet rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats is crucial. Extreme calorie restriction or the elimination of certain nutrients should be avoided.
Exercise should include both cardiovascular and strength training. Cardiovascular exercise effectively reduces body fat, while strength training helps increase basal metabolic rate (BMR), preventing weight regain after weight loss. Additionally, getting 7–8 hours of sleep is vital for weight management.
The Dark Side of Easy Weight Loss
However, since diet control and regular exercise are not as easy as they sound, interest in “diet supplements” is also rising. A survey by market research firm Embrain Trend Monitor, conducted among 1,000 adults aged 19 to 59, found that 44.4% of respondents expressed interest in weight loss through obesity treatment drugs.
Yet, health authorities worldwide have warned against the misuse of obesity medication. The Korean Society for the Study of Obesity welcomed the release of Wegovy, a GLP-1 receptor agonist containing semaglutide, but also stressed the need for strict regulation and close monitoring of side effects.
The Korea Health Promotion Institute echoes these concerns, warning about the indiscriminate use of diet supplements and emphasizing the importance of proper weight management methods. Even if weight loss is achieved through obesity treatment drugs, various side effects can occur. Also, adjusting the dosage without medical supervision can lead to serious problems. As such, diet supplements are not essential for weight loss, and a cautious approach is required.
