Overweight, Obesity, and Metabolic Syndrome in Adults and Children in South Korea: a Review of the Literature

Overweight, obesity, and metabolic syndrome are increasing in South Korea dramatically. This review of the literature summarizes published studies on the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and metabolic syndrome in South Korean adults and children; summarizes studies related to obesity management and prevention in South Korean adults and children; and identifies gaps in the literature for further research. A PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar search identified articles published between January 1, 2000, and June 30, 2010, using the following key search terms: overweight, obesity, adult, children, adolescent, metabolic syndrome, prevention, and South Korea. Inclusion criteria included articles published in English or Korean, and primary or secondary research that measured the prevalence and characteristics of overweight and obesity or described a management or prevention program. Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria and were categorized into either adult or child studies. In adults, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased as South Korea has moved from an agricultural to a modern society. In children, there were associations between infant feeding patterns, familial relationships, and dietary and physical activity patterns. There were few programs to manage or prevent overweight. Further research is needed to develop effective strategies to prevent and manage overweight and obesity in adults and children, using family-based interventions that include multigenerational family members.