Gender Differences in Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Its Association with Obesity Among Korean Adults.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the association between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and obesity in Korean adults.

METHODS

Data from the 2019 to 2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. Dietary intake and UPF consumption were assessed using the NOVA food classification based on 24 h recall data from 9662 participants (aged 19-64 years). The participants were divided into three groups based on the tertile of UPF intake. Obesity was defined as a body mass index of ≥25 kg/m. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) after controlling for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Of the participants, 50.2% were men and 49.8% were women. Men consumed more UPFs daily (401.3 g) than women (260.1 g; < 0.0001). Among the various categories of ultra-processed foods, 'soft drinks, fruit and vegetable drinks' were the most frequently consumed by both men and women, with men showing a notably higher intake than women. Compared to the lowest quartile of UPF intake, the highest tertile was significantly associated with obesity in men (AOR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.05-1.55; for trend = 0.0003).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that a high intake of UPFs is associated with increased odds of obesity in men. Further research is needed to elucidate the specific negative health effects of UPFs in different populations, and targeted efforts should promote healthy diets for both men and women.