Majority of Diet Pill Users in South Korea Are Not Obese, Raising Health Concerns

A recent report from the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs reveals a concerning trend: a significant portion of individuals using diet pills in South Korea are not medically obese. The findings highlight the societal pressures surrounding body image and the potential risks associated with unnecessary medication use.

Non-Obese Individuals Turning to Diet Pills

According to the survey, which included 257 South Koreans aged 19 to 64 who had taken oral appetite suppressants between 2022 and 2025, approximately 60% of users were not diagnosed with obesity. The Korea Herald and The Korea JoongAng Daily both reported on these findings on March 16-17, 2026.

Specifically, 59.5% of respondents reported taking oral appetite suppressants despite not having an obesity diagnosis. A smaller percentage, 34.6%, had been diagnosed with obesity by a doctor, while 8.6% used the medication to treat other conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.

Significant Side Effects Reported

The report also revealed a high incidence of side effects among diet pill users. A substantial 73.5% of those surveyed experienced adverse effects after taking the medication. The Strait Times reported that common side effects included insomnia (reported by 66.7% of respondents), and even depression (experienced by 25.4%). Some users reported experiencing suicidal thoughts.

One individual, Jeong, a office worker, described experiencing severe headaches and dizziness after taking an oral appetite suppressant, leading them to discontinue use despite initially seeking it as a more convenient alternative to weight loss injections.

Social Pressures and Medication Misuse

Researchers attribute this trend to a combination of factors, including social pressure to maintain a slim physique, the influence of mass media, a competitive healthcare system, and the commercialization of appearance. This creates a perception of medication misuse, where individuals seek pharmacological solutions for cosmetic rather than medical reasons.

Limited Discontinuation Despite Adverse Effects

Despite experiencing side effects, a relatively small proportion of users – only 23.3% – completely stopped using the medication. This suggests both the addictive potential of these drugs and the strong societal pressure to lose weight.

This report underscores the demand for greater awareness regarding the risks associated with diet pills and the importance of addressing the underlying societal factors that contribute to body image concerns and medication misuse.