Sunggon Kim

We propose a new anthropometric index, weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI), to assess adiposity by standardizing waist circumference (WC) for weight. WWI, calculated as WC (cm) divided by the square root of weight (kg) (cm/√kg), was measured from 465,629 subjects in the Korean nationwide cohort (2008-2013). Cox regression analysis was used to compare WWI with BMI, WC, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and a body shape index (ABSI) for cardiometabolic morbidity and mortality risk in diagnostic and prog

Moderate obesity was associated more strongly with a lower risk of mortality than with normal, underweight, and overweight groups in the general population of South Korea. This obesity paradox was prominent in not only the elderly but also individuals with chronic disease.

OBJECTIVE: Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) is a recently identified adipokine that is elevated in the serum in several insulin-resistant states. We investigated the relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and serum RBP4 in nondiabetic adults. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-nine nondiabetic, non-alcoholic subjects (95 males and 64 females) participated in this study. Division of subjects into a NAFLD group (n = 73; 45 males and 28 females) or a normal group (n = 86; 50 mal

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The course of NAFLD (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) and associated factors in nonobese subjects are not well established. We investigated contributing factors for the development and regression of NAFLD in nonobese Koreans, and whether they would differ from those of obese subjects. METHODS: Two thousand three hundred and seven adults aged over 18 years participated in this longitudinal observational study. The mean duration of follow-up was 28.7 (±13.2) months. The partici

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01001611.

The prevalence of nonsurgical hypoparathyroidism was very low in Korea but was associated with a higher risk of incident cardiovascular disease and vertebral fracture as well as known complications including renal disease, seizure, and cataract.

OBJECTIVE: Thiazolidinediones have favorable influences on surrogate markers of atherosclerosis such as adiponectin, and arterial stiffness in diabetic patients. However, it is not well known whether these beneficial effects occur in subjects without diabetes, such as prediabetes or the non-diabetic metabolic syndrome (MetS). The present study was therefore designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the insulin-sensitizing agent rosiglitazone on circulating adipocytokine levels and brachial-ankle

BACKGROUND: Understanding the health status of North Korean refugees (NKRs), and changes in health during the resettlement process, is important from both the humanitarian standpoint and the scientific perspective. The NOrth Korean Refugee health iN South Korea (NORNS) study aims to document the health status and health determinants of North Korean refugees, to observe various health outcomes as they occur while adapting to the westernized lifestyle of South Korea, and to explain the mechanisms

OBJECTIVES: To examine trends in socioeconomic inequalities in major cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among the Korean population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: A nationally representative population survey database. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 42 725 Koreans, aged 25-64 years, who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) II (2001) to VI (2013-2014). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Trends in socioeconomic inequalities in five major CVD risk fac

Focused Issue of This Month (social epidemic) . 70 1.5% (1), 10% (2, 3).

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: To assess the time to initiation of insulin therapy, and concurrently investigate both patient- and physician-related factors associated with delaying insulin therapy in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled by oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, observational disease registry study was carried out across 69 centers in Korea. Type 2 diabetes patients who had received two or more OHAs within the past 5 years, had a glycated hemo

Rubus occidentalis (RO) has beneficial effects on glucose and lipid profiles in vitro. The aim of the study was to investigate RO extract effect on metabolic parameters in prediabetic patients, adopting a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Forty-four patients (age 59.0 ± 8.2 years, 70.5% females, HbA1c 5.8 ± 0.4%) were divided into placebo (n = 13), low-dose RO extract (LRE; n = 14), or high-dose RO extract (HRE; n = 17) groups. Either 900 or 1800 mg per day of RO extra

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), serum adiponectin concentration and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) as a risk marker for atherosclerosis. METHODS: A total of 213 nonalcoholic subjects (67 males, 146 females) participated in this study. Division of subjects into the NAFLD group or the normal group was based on the existence of fatty liver detected by sonography. RESULTS: Serum adiponectin levels in the NAFLD group w