Socioeconomic Cost of Obesity in Korea

ABSTRACT

With dramatic transitions from a traditionally food-insecure to a food-sufficient society, over weight and/or obesity are an increasing health concern in Korea. In 2000, 35.9% of Korean adults were over weight (BMI>25) with increasing trends. It is well known that obesity is highly correlated with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer and high cholesterol. In 2003, the social cost of obesity is estimated at 529.5~799.3 billion won (direct cost) and at 1,200~1,817 billion won (including indirect cost). The share of the direct cost is estimated at 2.6~3.9% of total medical bill 20,742 billion won. These costs are underestimated and would surely be higher if the expenditures outside of the official medical insurance system of Korea were included. Based on the rapid increase of obesity rate among the Korean youth, it is crucial to develop and implement appropriate policies to curb the obesity epidemic.