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

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.