Screen Time, Sleep Deprivation Drive Child Obesity Surge in Korea

One in five elementary, middle, and high school students in South Korea is now obese, according to recent data.

The obesity rate among students jumped 5.4 percentage points over eight years, rising from 12.9% in 2016 to 18.3% in 2024. Experts warn that childhood obesity leads to adult obesity and increases the risk of various chronic diseases.

The upward trend is confirmed by official statistics. According to the Korea Health Promotion Institute's "2024 Physical Activity, Obesity, and Nutrition Statistical Report," the obesity rate among children and adolescents stood at 18.7% in 2022, up 4.3 percentage points from 14.4% in 2018. The obesity rate among male students rose 5.2 percentage points from 16.4% to 21.6% during the same period, exceeding the 3.3 percentage point increase among female students.

Sedentary time has also increased. Time spent sitting for academic purposes among adolescents rose from 433.9 hours per week in 2018 to 457.8 hours in 2022. The proportion of students consuming sugary beverages three or more times per week reached 63.6%, while those consuming high-caffeine drinks three or more times weekly hit 22.3%—nearly double the 12.2% recorded in 2019. One in four high school students (24.8%) was found to skip breakfast.

Dr. Sanjay Agarwal, an Indian specialist in diabetes and metabolic diseases, identified five major causes of childhood obesity through health media outlet HealthShots on the 19th (local time): excessive screen use, unbalanced eating habits, sleep deprivation, stress, and family lifestyle patterns.

Prolonged use of smartphones, tablets, and televisions reduces calorie expenditure and decreases physical activity. A PLOS One study analyzing 29,480 adolescents found that those who watched TV or played video games for more than one hour daily were more likely to be overweight or obese.

Diets centered on sugary beverages and processed snacks elevate insulin levels and accelerate fat accumulation in the body. Sleep deprivation triggers hormonal changes that increase cravings for high-calorie foods, while academic stress often leads to overeating. Experts agree that while genetic factors play some role, household eating habits and activity patterns have a greater influence.

"Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and early-stage fatty liver disease—conditions that previously appeared mainly in adults—are now being found increasingly often in children," Dr. Agarwal said. "Early intervention and a supportive family environment play a key role in preventing obesity and helping children grow into healthy adults."