DOI: 10.3390/healthcare14162570 ISSN: 2227-9032

Sex-Specific Determinants of Physical Activity Among Korean Adults Using Weight-Control Medications: A Cross-Sectional Study

Bo-Young Kim

Background/Objectives: The use of weight-control medications (WCMs) has increased rapidly, yet little is known about the physical activity (PA) behaviours of users. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify factors associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among Korean WCM users and to examine sex-specific differences. Methods: This cross-sectional study analysed data from the 2024 Korea Community Health Survey (KCHS). A total of 6604 adults (men: n = 1209; women: n = 5395) using WCMs for weight control were included. Multivariable logistic regression, accounting for complex survey design weights, was conducted separately for men and women. Results: The weighted prevalence of MVPA was higher in men (32.3%) than in women (20.9%). Among men, being unmarried/divorced/widowed (OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.12–2.07) was positively associated with MVPA, whereas being aged ≥60 years (OR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.28–0.83) was associated with lower odds. Among women, being aged 50–59 years (OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.07–1.78) was associated with higher MVPA participation, whereas poor self-rated health (OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.47–0.76) was associated with lower odds. Conclusions: Factors associated with MVPA among WCM users differed between men and women, suggesting that sex-specific approaches may be beneficial when promoting PA in this population. This study is limited by its cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported data, which preclude causal inference.

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