A new report from South Korea's Disease Control Agency indicates a troubling increase in the national obesity rate, which climbed to 35.4% for the year, a full 1% from the previous year. This rise suggests that one in three adults in South Korea is now classified as obese. The report highlights a significant regional disparity, with Ulsan recording the highest obesity rate at 38.2% while Sejong had the lowest at 29.4%. The data from the report also shows a consistent yearly upward trend in obesity rates driven by a combination of lifestyle changes, decreased physical activity, and the Westernization of diets.

In contrast to the rise in obesity, the report noted a decrease in both tobacco use and high-risk alcohol consumption among adults. The current tobacco usage rate fell from 22.6% in 2024 to 22.1% last year. Sejong again reported the lowest tobacco usage at 17.3%, while Chungbuk had the highest at 24.7%. Additionally, high-risk drinking rates declined from 12.6% to 12.0%, with Sejong achieving the lowest rate of 7.0% and Gangwon experiencing the highest at 15.7%.

The community health survey, conducted annually since 2008, aims to collect data that informs public health strategies. Last year's survey involved over 231,000 South Korean adults aged 19 and older. As the report underscores the obesity epidemic alongside improvements in smoking and drinking behaviors, it raises concerns about public health policies and necessitates a continuing focus on health education and preventive measures in the population.