Age, ethnic, and sex disparity in body mass index and waist circumference: a bi-national large-scale study in South Korea and the United States

Abstract

The study investigated age, ethnic, and sex disparities in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in South Korea and the United States. We conducted a bi-national large-scale study and analyzed data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the United States (NHANES). The study found significant differences in BMI and WC between the two countries, as well as within each country based on age, ethnic, and sex groups. In both countries, men had higher BMIs and WCs than women. Among ethnic groups in the United States, non-Hispanic Black individuals had the highest BMIs and WCs, while Mexican American individuals had the highest BMIs and WCs in the South Korean population. The study also found that age was associated with higher BMIs and WCs in both countries, with the highest BMI and WC observed in the 60-69 age group in both South Korea and the United States. Additionally, the study revealed that the prevalence of obesity was higher in the United States than in South Korea, while abdominal obesity was more prevalent in South Korea than in the United States. Overall, the study suggests that there are significant differences in BMI and WC across age, ethnic, and sex groups in both South Korea and the United States, highlighting the importance of considering these factors in efforts to prevent and address obesity and its associated health risks.