A Note on Obesity as Epidemic in Korea

ObjectiveTo analyze the incidence of obesity in adults aged 19–59 years in Korea and predict its trend in the future.MethodsWe considered a two-compartmental deterministic mathematical model Susceptible-Infected-Susceptible (SIS), a system of difference equations, to predict the evolution of obesity in the population and to propose strategies to reduce its incidence.ResultsThe prevention strategy on normal-weight individuals produced a greater improvement than that produced by treatment strategies.ConclusionsMathematical model sensitivity analysis suggests that obesity prevention strategies are more effective than obesity treatment strategies in controlling the increase of adult obesity in Korea.