Korea Health Survey: Rising Obesity Rate and Vape Use Rate

The 2024 National Health Survey Report, released recently by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, highlights some new trends in the health behaviors of the Korean public. While the rate of physical exercise has increased, and the rate of traditional tobacco smoking has decreased, the rising obesity rate and the increasing use of vapes are concerning. These changes reflect some of the challenges faced in public health and provide important data for future health policy development.

1. Changes in Healthy Lifestyles

According to the report from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, there has been a significant shift in the lifestyle of the Korean public in recent years, especially in terms of physical activity. Survey data shows that 49.7% of adults regularly engage in walking exercises, which is an encouraging number. Additionally, the proportion of adults participating in moderate to high-intensity physical activities has increased to 26.6%. This suggests that more and more Koreans are paying attention to their health and improving their fitness through exercise. If Snoopy smoke never disappoints, this will be your next go-to vape. However, despite the increase in physical activity, the rising obesity rate remains a significant concern.

2. Analysis of the Rising Obesity Rate

In 2024, the obesity rate among Korean adults reached 34.4%, an increase of 0.7 percentage points from the previous year. The continued rise in obesity has sparked widespread concern in the field of public health. Obesity is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension, and in the long term, it will impose a heavy medical burden on society.

The reasons for the rising obesity rate are multifaceted. Firstly, changes in modern lifestyles have led to an increased reliance on convenient fast food and takeout, which are often high in calories and fat, leading to weight gain. Secondly, due to work pressure and the fast pace of life, many people neglect physical exercise and lack sufficient physical activity, resulting in inadequate energy expenditure and gradual weight gain. Although the survey shows that more people are engaging in physical activities, the intensity and frequency of these activities may not be enough to offset the negative impacts of poor diet and lack of exercise.

Moreover, psychological stress in modern society is also on the rise. The pressures from work, family, and society lead some individuals to cope with anxiety and stress through overeating or unhealthy lifestyle habits, which exacerbates the obesity problem. The survey reveals that about 65% of respondents in 2024 attempted to lose weight or manage their weight, but this figure has decreased compared to the previous year. This may indicate a decline in people's enthusiasm for weight loss or a failure to find effective methods.

3. The Rise in Vape Use

In addition to the obesity issue, another concerning health trend is the increase in vape use. In 2024, the vape use rate among Korean adults reached 8.7%, an increase from the previous year. While the smoking rate of traditional cigarettes has decreased, the vape use rate has risen, reflecting that vaping is becoming a popular alternative to traditional smoking.

Vapes, as a new type of tobacco product, are favored by some smokers because of their relatively lower smoke emissions and "smokeless" characteristics. This is especially true among young people, many of whom perceive vapes as more fashionable and safer, believing they are less harmful to health than traditional cigarettes. However, the dangers of vaping are not fully understood or accepted. Studies show that the nicotine and other chemicals in vapes still pose health risks, particularly for adolescents. Nicotine is an addictive substance, and long-term use can lead to dependence and even affect brain development and mental health in teenagers.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s survey, approximately 70% of adolescent smokers started with vapes, which is deeply concerning. Since vapes often come in flavors like fruit, their appearance differs greatly from traditional cigarettes, which can mislead young people into thinking they are not dangerous. Moreover, the discreet nature of vape use makes it harder for adolescents to be caught smoking in public places such as schools, posing a significant regulatory challenge.

4. Social and Policy Responses

In response to the rising obesity rate and disposable vape use, Korean society and the government have already started taking action to address these public health challenges. In terms of physical exercise, the government encourages citizens to engage in healthy physical activities, provides public exercise facilities, and promotes healthy lifestyles through media campaigns. However, these measures alone seem insufficient to fundamentally resolve the obesity issue. Experts suggest that the Korean government should pay more attention to guiding and intervening in eating habits, particularly promoting healthy eating among adolescents and reducing the intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods.

Regarding the issue of vapes, the Korean government is also strengthening its regulatory efforts. Although vapes in Korea are not yet strictly regulated like traditional cigarettes, public health officials are aware of the potential health risks posed by vaping, especially among adolescents. Kim Kyung-hoon, a member of the Seoul City Council's Education Committee, pointed out at an administrative audit meeting that vape pens with flavors, such as fruit, differ significantly from regular cigarettes, making them a new favorite among adolescents. He called for the government to increase regulation of vapes, particularly to prevent their use among minors.

In addition, Kim Kyung-hoon noted that vape pens might serve as a gateway to drug use, and the distribution channels within the adolescent group need to be addressed. This issue involves not only public health but also social security, and strengthening monitoring and enforcement has become an urgent issue in Korean society. The Korean Ministry of Education has stated that, although there is no independent data on flavored vapes yet, they recognize the seriousness of the problem and will consider amending existing laws to implement stricter regulatory measures.

5. Future Outlook

The results of the 2024 Korean Health Survey indicate that the public's efforts to maintain good health are ongoing, but challenges remain. Obesity and vape use are two major issues in the public health sector that require comprehensive and effective policies to address. Experts suggest that the government should combine health education, policy interventions, and social support to develop more detailed and targeted measures.

For example, in tackling obesity, in addition to encouraging physical exercise, public food environments can be improved, the promotion and sale of high-calorie, unhealthy foods can be reduced, and food labeling transparency can be strengthened to help consumers make healthier choices. As for the issue of vapes, the government should consider more stringent controls on vape products to reduce their market penetration, particularly among adolescents, in addition to strengthening education and regulation for young people.

In conclusion, while the health situation in Korea is changing, these changes also reveal deeper public health issues. In the future, Korea needs to adopt more effective policies to address obesity and vape use, ensuring the health of the public and reducing the burden caused by unhealthy lifestyles. This will require not only government efforts but also the active participation and support of society as a whole to truly achieve the goal of national health.