Kimchi, Once Again Proven Effective in Preventing Obesity!

In a research study supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT, Korea's World Kimchi Research Institute has confirmed the effectiveness of kimchi in preventing obesity. The institute conducted a 13-year study involving 58,290 Koreans to analyze the correlation between kimchi consumption and weight loss. The results revealed that for men, cabbage kimchi, and for women, radish kimchi, were particularly effective.

 

Moving forward, there are plans to further investigate kimchi's anti-obesity efficacy through collaboration with researchers in related fields both domestically and internationally.

 

Utilizing a cohort study method, the research tracked specific groups and control groups to explore the relationship between kimchi consumption and weight loss. The Kimchi Functional Research Team of the Kimchi Research Institute analyzed data based on the 'Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES)' from the National Institute of Health's Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This data covered 58,290 adults over a period of 13 years (2004-2016), including dietary surveys and body measurements.

 

The study found that individuals who consumed kimchi 2-3 times a day (50g per serving) had a 15% decrease in body mass index (BMI) compared to those who consumed it less than once a day. Particularly for obese men, there was evidence of weight improvement leading to normal weight.

 

In a study involving 115,726 individuals aged 40-69, men who consumed kimchi 13 times a week experienced a roughly 12% decrease in the incidence of obesity. Furthermore, men who consumed cabbage kimchi showed a 10% decrease in the incidence of both general and abdominal obesity. For women, consuming radish kimchi led to an approximately 11% lower incidence of abdominal obesity compared to non-consumers.

 

Moving forward, there are plans to further investigate kimchi's anti-obesity efficacy through collaboration with researchers in related fields both domestically and internationally. Scientific validation will be pursued through clinical trials and other research efforts. These endeavors aim to widely communicate the preventive effects of kimchi against obesity not only domestically but also globally. Kimchi is anticipated to gain even more recognition as a food that goes beyond safeguarding our health.