한국과 일본 성인의 체질량지수 비교 분석

Abstract

Objectives: Body mass index (BMI) associated with anthropometric measures among adults in Korea and Japan, whose people have largely similar physical characteristics and lifestyles, were compared to study similarities and differences between the two countries, for obesity is related with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Methods: Representative samples from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys in 2009 in Korea and Japan were used, in which statistically significant data from several thousand men and women in both countries were present. General obesity criteria of BMI≥30㎏/㎡ as well as BMI≥25㎏/㎡ for Asians, suggested by WHO, were used. Results: Obesity rates using BMI≥25㎏/㎡ for determining obesity were significantly higher generally for both men and women in Korea than those in Japan, with high confidence level(p<0.01). However, using BMI≥30㎏/㎡ for determining obesity resulted in higher obesity rate for Japanese men. Conclusion: In light of Koreans' higher obesity rates compared with the Japanese counterpart, establishment of a system for continual monitoring and public awareness campaign, especially for women, by public health authorities are suggested for effective national health management to reduce obesity.