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

JT to Launch New Ploom Stick Variant “EVO Sakura Regular” Nationwide in Japan on April 6
JT to Launch New Ploom Stick Variant “EVO Sakura Regular” Nationwide in Japan on April 6
JT said it will begin rolling out “EVO Sakura Regular,” a new product under the premium EVO brand for the heated tobacco brand Ploom, at convenience stores and tobacco retailers across Japan from April 6. The product has already been on sale since February 3 through the CLUB JT online shop and Ploom Shops nationwide.
Mar.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Finnish Customs Investigate Firm Suspected of Importing and Selling Nicotine Pouches Without Paying Tobacco Tax
Finnish Customs Investigate Firm Suspected of Importing and Selling Nicotine Pouches Without Paying Tobacco Tax
Finnish Customs are investigating a firm suspected of importing and selling nicotine pouches without paying tobacco tax. Two Finnish citizens have been questioned as part of the probe. The authority believes the nicotine pouches were imported into Finland from other EU countries before being distributed to Finnish retailers.
Mar.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Goyang City Urges Relevant Sellers to Apply for Tobacco Retailer Designation by April 23
Goyang City Urges Relevant Sellers to Apply for Tobacco Retailer Designation by April 23
Goyang Special City in South Korea said it has informed local sellers about the revised Tobacco Business Act, which will take effect on April 24, 2026, and urged them to apply for tobacco retailer designation.
Mar.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Azerbaijan Cancels E-Cigarette State Standard as Full Vape Ban Takes Effect on April 1
Azerbaijan Cancels E-Cigarette State Standard as Full Vape Ban Takes Effect on April 1
The Azerbaijan Institute of Standardization (AZSTAND) has announced the cancellation of state standard AZS 941:2023, “Electronic Cigarettes. General Technical Specifications.”Under legal amendments adopted on December 30, 2025, Azerbaijan has prohibited from April 1, 2026 the import, export, manufacture, storage, wholesale and retail sale, and use of e-cigarettes and their components.
Apr.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Cyprus Bill to Regulate Nicotine Pouches Expected to Reach House Plenary in Early April
Cyprus Bill to Regulate Nicotine Pouches Expected to Reach House Plenary in Early April
A proposed law to regulate nicotine pouches in Cyprus is expected to reach the House plenary session in early April. The bill, submitted by Diko MP Chrysis Pantelidis, aims to establish a regulatory framework governing the marketing, composition and quality of nicotine pouches currently circulating on the market and to incorporate them into existing smoking control legislation.
Mar.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ukrainian Prosecutors and Economic Security Bureau Dismantle Illegal Vape Liquid Network Worth About UAH 30 Million
Ukrainian Prosecutors and Economic Security Bureau Dismantle Illegal Vape Liquid Network Worth About UAH 30 Million
Ukraine’s Office of the Prosecutor General and the Bureau of Economic Security said they uncovered an illegal production and sales scheme for e-cigarette liquids that had been operating in Ukraine since 2023.
Apr.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai