Obesity is global health concern. It is important to understand trends in weight loss attempts from a preventive health standpoint. This study aimed to investigate trends in weight loss attempts among Korean adults. Data from 81 605 adults ≥18 years who participated in the 2005 to 2015 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. Participants were classified into 5 groups by body mass index. The percentage of weight loss attempts was standardized with the 2010 Korean Housing Census. The percentage of weight loss attempts increased significantly over time in both sexes. Stratified subgroups showed various trends in the percentage of weight loss attempts by the subjects. In particular, older men aged 60 to 69 years and ≥80 years and women aged 70 to 79 years showed significant increasing trends in the percentage of weight loss attempts. More obese subjects attempted to lose weight more frequently during the entire survey period in both sexes.
Keywords: KNHANES; epidemiology; obesity; trend; weight loss attempt.