6 in 10 think they are fat

A recent survey shows 60 percent of Koreans regard themselves as obese and 55 percent are currently on a diet. / Korea Times file

By Kim Bo-eun

Kim Ji-yoon, a 29-year-old office worker, remembers being on a diet for most of her life. But recently, she kicked it up a notch, losing some 10 kilograms over the past couple months.

She says her body mass index, a measure of body fat based on height and weight, is within a “normal range,” but that she continues to exercise regularly, avoid carbohydrates and often skips dinner in a bid to become slimmer.

“It’s societal pressure,” Kim said. In Korea, “you are expected to meet the top standard for everything, including appearance.”

A recent survey by global information and measurement company, Nielsen Holdings, shows that Kim is not the only Korean constantly concerned about weight. In fact, 60 percent of Koreans consider themselves overweight and 55 percent are currently on a diet.

The survey was conducted by the US Company last year on 30,000 people from 60 countries, including Koreans.

Korea’s numbers here are higher than the global average figures, which show that 49 percent consider themselves overweight and 50 percent are watching their weight.

The survey also shows that many Koreans consider themselves to be health-conscious. Those adjusting their dietary intake were found to eat less in general; opt for food low in fat content; consume fresh, whole foods; reduce sugar intake and favor low-cholesterol food. Sixty-nine percent of respondents said they were willing to spend more for healthier food.

Though Korea is not the only place where people are fixated on their appearance, cases such as Kim’s are increasingly considered as the norm.

Many Koreans believe that appearance plays a crucial role in landing a decent job and meeting a desirable mate.