Relationship between obesity, alcohol consumption, and physical activity of male office workers in South Korea

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between obesity, alcohol consumption, and physical activity of males in South Korea. A total of 141 middle-aged office workers were recruited from two companies in Seoul, Korea. The data were collected through a structured questionnaire and body composition analyzer (Inbody 230). Based on body mass index, 30.5% of the study participants were overweight and 48.9% were obese. Based on the percentage of body fat and the waist-to-hip ratio, 21.3% and 47.5% were obese, respectively. Most of the participants drank alcohol, with a mean of 52.26 drinks in the preceding month. Among them, 38.8% were heavy drinkers. The prevalence of low and moderate physical activity was 73% and 22%, respectively. Significant differences were found for body mass index, percentage of body fat, and waist-to-hip ratio after controlling for physical activity as a covariate. Body mass index, percentage of body fat, and waist-to-hip ratio of light and heavy drinkers were higher than that of moderate drinkers. The prevalence of overweight, obesity, and alcohol consumption was high in male office workers. Heavy alcohol consumption should be considered a relating factor of obesity in office workers. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd..