Weight Loss Attempts Increased in Korean Adults from 2005 to 2021,Excluding Those with Obesity

Abstract

Background:

Studies on trends in the proportions of past-year weight loss attempts among Asian adults are limited. Our hypotheses were that trends in the proportions would increase and sociodemographic, weight, and health-related factors would be associated with these attempts.

Methods:

Using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2021, this study evaluated the trends and their related factors among Korean adults. Complex sample design analyses were applied to the data of 80,160 adults.

Results:

The weighted proportion of past-year weight loss attempts increased from 35.2% in 2005 to 41.3% in 2021. The proportion of past-year weight loss attempts increased for individuals with nonobese body mass index (BMIs) (<25 kg/m²), decreased for males with obese BMIs (≥25 kg/m²), and did not change for females with obese BMIs. A multivariate-adjusted model showed that the proportion of weight loss attempts decreased for males and increased for females over the 16-year period [odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval): males, 0.993 (0.988–0.998); females, 1.013 (1.009–1.017)]. The OR of weight loss attempts was higher for females, younger individuals, and those with higher economic status, higher BMIs, self-perceived larger body shapes, self-rated better health, and chronic diseases. These characteristics decreased the odds of individuals with obese BMIs making no weight loss attempts.

Conclusions:

The proportion of past-year weight loss attempts increased over the 16-year period among all participants, but a declining trend was observed for those with obesity. In addition to BMI, socioeconomic factors, subjective perceptions of body shape, and health-related factors were related to weight loss attempts.