Current status and treatment of obesity in Korea

Background: Over the last decade, the male obesity rate in Korea has surged from 36.3% in 2012 to 46.3% in 2021. The proportion of overweight and obese students among elementary, middle, and high school students increased from 22.9% in 2016 to 30.8% in 2021.Current Concepts: Various methods, such as body mass index, waist circumference measurement, and impedance body fat analysis, are used to diagnose obesity. Obesity treatment is needed to establish an individualized treatment plan based on the cause of obesity, and behavioral changes should be induced through dietary therapy and exercise. Drug therapy should be considered in patients who could not lose weight despite non-pharmacological therapies for over 3 months and have one or more cardiovascular risk factors. Behavioral therapy is the core of obesity treatment because of its application as a programmed treatment for weight control and an approach to changing behaviors related to food intake and physical activity. If non-drug treatment does not lead to weight loss, drug therapy should be considered. Along with drug treatment, dietary therapy, exercise, and behavioral therapy are essential. In severely obese patients, surgical intervention can be considered for weight loss, the maintenance of reduced weight, and improvement of obesity-related comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes.Discussion and Conclusion: To successfully treat obesity, a combination of dietary plans, exercise programs, and drug therapy are required according to an accurate assessment of the cause and degree of obesity.