Factors Related to the Weight Control Practices of Korean Adults

BACKGROUND: Maintenance of proper weight can help protect against chronic diseases. This study investigated the weight control practices of Korean adults and associated factors. METHODS: Secondary data from a nationwide cross-sectional survey of the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2016 to 2018 were analyzed. Subjects were aged 21 to 80 years (n=14,661). The influences of socio-demographic characteristics, health status, health behaviors, and perception of body image on weight control efforts were identified. RESULTS: Women (odds ratio [OR], 1.191; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.723–2.210), city dwellers (OR, 1.229; 95% CI, 1.097–1.377), those who had a middle school or higher level of education (OR, from 1.281 to 1.525), individuals who perceived themselves to be healthy or in fairly health (OR, from 1.103 to 1.257), those with high blood pressure (OR, 1.244; 95% CI, 1.104–1.401), normal or obese body mass index (BMI; OR from 2.579 to 4.430), non-smokers (OR, 1.373; 95% CI, 1.192–1.582), and those who drank alcohol (OR, 1.174; 95% CI, 1.057–1.305) made more weight loss efforts than other individuals. Regardless of actual BMI, if someone perceived themselves to be obese or normal weight (OR, from 4.324 to 10.884), they made more effort to reduce their weight than those individuals who perceived themselves to be underweight. CONCLUSION: Weight control is a positive behavior for people with high BMI. However, those individuals with a normal weight who believe they are obese may require further education. It is also necessary to monitor and address the lack of weight control efforts in rural residents and that there is a need for weight control counseling and support for people with high blood pressure and diabetes. Various related causes should be considered and community-wide efforts be made to support people who need weight control.