Obesity and COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea: rapid review and a post-hoc analysis

COVID-19’s disproportionate effects on socioeconomic and behavioral factors may have affected the prevalence of obesity. To better understand the trends in body mass index (BMI) among Koreans before and during the pandemic, we examined several biosocial risk factors. During the pandemic, BMI increased less rapidly than anticipated. The multifaceted impact of the pandemic on BMI appears to have resulted from shifts in social interactions, eating, and exercise routines. This study suggests revising the recommendations for preventing obesity and promoting a healthier diet and increased physical activity among the groups most at risk during the pandemic.