Obesity: Introduction / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Therefore, obesity is associated with decreases in life expectancy. Also weight loss of 5-10% is associated with clinically significant health benefits. In Korea, a person with a body mass index of 25 kg/m2 or more is considered obese. In 2012, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended screening all adults for obesity and USPSTF advised that clinicians offer or refer patients with obesity to intensive, multicomponent behavioral interventions. In Korea, management of obesity 2010 recommendation was published but there is no recommendation about screening for obesity. Because of the increasing prevalence of obesity, new recommendations on screening and efficient treatment for obesity and overweight are needed in Korea.