Socioeconomic Inequalities in Obesity Among Korean Adults: The Role of Lifestyle Factors in KNHANES 2022–2024

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Epidemiology and Health Data Insights, 2(5), 2026, ehdi050,



Publication date: Jul 13, 2026

ABSTRACT


Background: Obesity is more and more understood as a well being consequence formed by social situations, but proof on socioeconomic inequalities in weight problems in South Korea stays blended, notably with regard to life-style behaviours and intercourse variations.
Methods: This examine makes use of pooled knowledge from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2022–2024 (N=11,714 adults aged 19–64 years). Obesity was outlined as physique mass index ≥25 kg/m². Socioeconomic standing (SES) was assessed utilizing training, earnings, occupation, and a composite SES index. Lifestyle elements, together with bodily exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, sleep length, and dealing hours, have been included in sequential regression fashions to evaluate whether or not associations between socioeconomic standing and weight problems have been attenuated after adjustment for these elements. Survey-weighted logistic regression fashions have been estimated, with further analyses stratified by intercourse.
Results: Lower socioeconomic standing was related to the next probability of weight problems, though the energy and sample of this relationship differed between women and men. Among ladies, clear inverse gradients have been noticed throughout training, earnings, and the composite SES index. Among males, associations have been weaker and fewer constant. Adjustment for life-style elements attenuated a number of socioeconomic associations with weight problems, though socioeconomic variations remained evident, notably amongst ladies. The composite SES index confirmed extra constant associations than particular person socioeconomic indicators.
Conclusion: Socioeconomic inequalities in weight problems persist in South Korea and differ considerably by intercourse. Associations between socioeconomic standing and weight problems have been attenuated after adjustment for life-style elements, though socioeconomic variations remained evident after adjustment. These findings spotlight the significance of contemplating each behavioural and broader structural elements when addressing weight problems inequalities.

KEYWORDS


CITATION (Vancouver)

Issayeva Z, Eun KS. Socioeconomic Inequalities in Obesity Among Korean Adults: The Role of Lifestyle Factors in KNHANES 2022–2024. Epidemiology and Health Data Insights. 2026;2(5):ehdi050.


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