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Scientists have found that moderate kimchi consumption may help reduce obesity risk, reaffirming the health benefits of Korea’s iconic fermented dish. A large-scale study of over 115,000 Korean adults, published as part of the Health Examinees (HEXA) Study, explored how eating kimchi relates to body weight and abdominal obesity, providing robust evidence for the probiotic power of this popular food. Kimchi, made primarily from fermented cabbage or radish with spices like garlic and chili, contains lactic acid bacteria shown in lab studies to reduce fat accumulation and enhance metabolism. This study assessed dietary habits and health data of adults aged 40–69, using food frequency questionnaires and physical measurements like BMI and waist circumference to define obesity and abdominal obesity. Researchers analyzed self-reported kimchi intake across varieties such as baechu (napa cabbage kimchi) and kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi). Obesity was defined as BMI ≥25 kg/m², with abdominal obesity characterized by waist circumference above 90 cm for men and 85 cm for women. Data collected between 2004 and 2013 were evaluated for associations between kimchi consumption and obesity prevalence, adjusting for potential confounders. Results showed a J-shaped relationship: consuming 1–3 servings of kimchi daily was linked to lower obesity odds, while excessive intake offered no additional benefit and could be detrimental. Men eating 1–2 servings had 12.5% lower obesity odds, with 2–3 servings linked to a 10.7% reduction. Baechu kimchi intake was associated with a 10% decrease in overall and abdominal obesity in men. Kkakdugi consumption was linked to 8% lower abdominal obesity in men and 11% in women. Researchers caution that as an observational study, the findings suggest an association rather than causation, calling for longitudinal studies to confirm kimchi’s effects. Nonetheless, these results endorse the traditional wisdom that moderate kimchi consumption can be part of a healthy, metabolism-supporting diet. Lead investigator Dr. Sangah Shin commented that “a little kimchi a day may help manage weight, but balance is key.” REFERENCE: Jung H et al. Association between kimchi consumption and obesity based on BMI and abdominal obesity in Korean adults: a cross-sectional analysis of the Health Examinees study. BMJ Open. 2024;14(2):e076650.
