Weight of middle school students in South Korea 2000-2023, by gender

In 2023, the average male middle school student in South Korea weighed 65.4 kilograms, while the average female student weight 54.8 kilograms. The weight of middle school students in Korea has changed dramatically in recent years. The average height also increased, but the increase in body weight was noticeably greater than in the height.

Education fever and health

South Korea is known as a country with “education fever”. To study in a good high school, a good university, and eventually work in a good company, students are working hard to get the best possible score in their respective positions. However, most students are suffering from lack of sleep and unbalanced eating habits due to prolonged study times combined with their regular schedule at school and private education. The obesity rate of South Korean students has also increased over the years, alongside the average weight.

Obesity in South Korea

The obesity rate refers to the population rate with a body mass index (BMI) of over 25. As of 2022, more than one third of the population were considered obese, showing a steady increase since 2008. The age group with the largest rate of obesity was the population in their forties, however, the obesity rate of the young population aged 19 to 29 years old has experienced rapid growth over the years.