Increase in Chronic Diseases Despite Recovery from COVID-19 Pandemic

News by 2FIRSTS.ai
Dec.12.2023
Increase in Chronic Diseases Despite Recovery from COVID-19 Pandemic
According to Naver on December 7, after three years of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea, the proportion of chronic diseases such as overeating, obesity, and hypertension has increased.

According to a report by Naver on December 7th, despite the resumption of daily life and improvements in sports activities in South Korea after three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases such as binge eating, obesity, and hypertension.

 

The "National Health and Nutrition Survey" is a survey conducted in accordance with the National Health Promotion Law, targeting individuals with an annual income of over 10,000 yuan. It covers over 250 public health indicators, including smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, nutrition, and chronic diseases.

 

The results indicate that although smoking rates have slightly declined in 2021, alcohol consumption rates have once again risen. Moreover, both men and women have shown an increase in participation in physical activities compared to last year.

 

The smoking rate among men last year was 36.6%, while it was 7.2% among women. The smoking rate for men remained the same as the previous year, while it decreased by 1.3 percentage points for women. Currently, the prevalence of smoking among men is 30%, while it is 5% among women, representing a decrease of 1.3 and 1.9 percentage points respectively compared to the previous year.

 

The smoking rate for vaping has seen a slight increase compared to last year, with 5.6% of men and 1.3% of women engaging in this activity. Additionally, there has been a growth in the use of heated tobacco products in the form of e-cigarettes (HNB products) as well. Among men, the usage rate has reached 9.2%, while for women it stands at 2.4%.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

PMI’s Japan unit to raise IQOS ILUMA stick prices; TEREA and SENTIA to increase from April
PMI’s Japan unit to raise IQOS ILUMA stick prices; TEREA and SENTIA to increase from April
Japan will adjust tobacco taxes from April 1, 2026, prompting Philip Morris International (PMI) to lift prices for its IQOS ILUMA tobacco sticks TEREA and SENTIA. Both products are set to rise by 40 yen per pack (about $0.3).
Jan.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Special Report| Vuse Gains as U.S. Cracks Down on Illegal Vapes, But a $590 Million China Export Shadow Looms
Special Report| Vuse Gains as U.S. Cracks Down on Illegal Vapes, But a $590 Million China Export Shadow Looms
The payoff is here: BAT’s Vuse has seized a rare regulatory vacuum to reverse its U.S. slide, capitalizing on a crackdown that seemingly compressed the illicit market to 54%. But the victory is fragile. A record $590 million export shock in October signals the gray market is striking back—pitting a fleeting compliance dividend against a massive inventory wall.
BAT
Dec.09
UK, Jersey and Guernsey to Ban Disposable Vapes From Jan. 31 as Island Sell-Through Window Closes
UK, Jersey and Guernsey to Ban Disposable Vapes From Jan. 31 as Island Sell-Through Window Closes
Jersey and Guernsey will enforce a full ban on disposable vapes from Saturday, 31 January 2026, making it illegal for shops to sell them after close of business. Online purchases shipped into the islands will also be targeted, with Guernsey’s Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink saying Customs will conduct checks and can seize imported disposables. Refillable vapes are not covered by the ban.
Jan.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ireland’s HSE finds over a fifth of vape shops tested still selling to children despite under-18 ban
Ireland’s HSE finds over a fifth of vape shops tested still selling to children despite under-18 ban
Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) data show that more than a fifth of vape shops tested were still selling nicotine-inhaling vaping products to children, despite a ban on sales to under-18s that took effect on December 22, 2023.
Jan.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Tobacco-Free Kids Condemns PMI for Marketing Zyn to Youth via F1 Sponsorship
Tobacco-Free Kids Condemns PMI for Marketing Zyn to Youth via F1 Sponsorship
Yolonda C. Richardson, President and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, issued a statement on December 10, 2025, condemning Philip Morris International (PMI) for partnering with Ferrari to promote Zyn nicotine pouches on Formula 1 cars. She said PMI’s claim that the sponsorship targets adults is misleading, as F1’s audience has become increasingly young—with over 4 million children aged 8–12 now following the sport.
Dec.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Estonia warns of a booming illicit vape market, raising risks for minors and legitimate trade
Estonia warns of a booming illicit vape market, raising risks for minors and legitimate trade
Estonia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Tax and Customs Board are urging the government to address a thriving illicit vape market that undermines fair competition and makes vapes easily accessible to minors.
Feb.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai