Obesity in Women: Paying a High Price

Prevalence of pre-obesity and above and its associated factors in adult women: an analysis of the 2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of pre-obesity (overweight) and above in adult women and to identify associated factors.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the eighth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VIII-2), conducted in 2020. The sample comprised 2,288 women aged 19-64 years who participated in the KNHANES VIII-2. Data were analyzed using complex sample design analysis with SPSS version 20.1.

RESULTS

The prevalence of pre-obesity and above among adult women was 46.5%, with 18.6% classified as having pre-obesity and 27.9% as having obesity. A higher prevalence of pre-obesity and above was observed in women aged 50-59 years (odds ratio [OR]=1.67, p=.019) or 60-64 years (OR=1.80, p=.029); women whose highest educational attainment was high school (OR=1.28, p=.018) or middle school or less (OR=1.60, p=.017); those in middle-income households (OR=1.55, p=.005); those engaging in muscle-strengthening activities less than 2 days per week (OR=1.37, p=.019); and those sleeping less than 6 hours per night during the week (OR=1.37, p=.025).

CONCLUSION

As nearly half of all adult women have either pre-obesity or obesity, prevention and management strategies must target both groups. Interventions should be prioritized for women in their 50s and older, as well as those with low education or income levels. Additionally, receiving adequate sleep of 7 hours or more and engaging in muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days per week are important components of obesity management.

Living Your Best Life: Lifestyle Medicine for All Women

In an era of ever-increasing healthcare expenditures, yet simultaneously worsening outcomes, many of our patients choose between traditional medical care or often unproven alternative therapies. While the recognition of lifestyle change in addressing cardiovascular and metabolic disease grows, there is less understanding of the impact of lifestyle change on issues facing women every day. Millions of women around the globe struggle with infertility, cancer, sexual dysfunction, and dermatologic needs. Yet, research on the benefits of lifestyle change on these conditions is scarce, and gaps exist both in our understanding of evidence-based approaches to address these issues, as well as adequate provider education when evidence exists. The Women’s Health Member Interest Group convened medical experts in these areas that affect women’s lives to provide insights and meaningful education applicable not only for our patients, but also in our own lives.