Prediction model for weight control experience in Korean men with obesity in their 30s and 40s

Abstract

Background Obesity is an abnormal and potentially dangerous condition caused by excess body fat accumulation. The number of people with obesity is increasing worldwide. Obesity is the primary cause of various diseases; therefore, it is crucial to make efforts to control and maintain a healthy body weight. Identifying the factors that influence men with obesity to attempt to control and not control their weight is essential. The objective of this study was to create a prediction model for weight control experience among Korean men in their 30s and 40s. Methods We analyzed data from the 2022 Community Health Survey and included 12,311 men who were overweight or obese. The men were divided into two groups based on their weight control experience: 1) Yes group (n = 9,405) and 2) No group (n = 2,906). Chi-square and independent t-tests were used to compare general and health-related characteristics between the groups. Decision tree analysis was used to build a prediction model for weight control experience. A split-sample test was conducted to validate the model. Results Several predictive models were generated based on the total number of participants, age, and body mass index as the first separating factors. The major factors affecting weight control among men with obesity in their 30s and 40s in Korea include subjective body shape, age, body mass index, education level, completion of hypertension management education, awareness of blood glucose levels, and smoking status. Subjective body shape was confirmed to significantly affect weight control experience. Conclusions It is necessary to support individuals in maintaining and managing an ideal weight by promoting a desirable perception of their body shape. In addition, there is an urgent need to provide obesity prevention and management education to those who have no weight control experience, particularly those at high risk, as identified in this study.