Association between kimchi consumption and obesity based on BMI and abdominal obesity in Korean adults: a cross-sectional analysis of the Health Examinees study

Objective Previous animal studies have shown the anti-obesity effect of kimchi-derived probiotic lactic acid bacteria. However, only a few epidemiological studies have investigated the association between kimchi consumption and obesity. Therefore, we aim to assess this relationship in Korean adults. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting The Health Examinees study was conducted from 2004 to 2013. Participants This study analysed 115 726 participants aged 40-69 years enrolled in the Health Examinees study in Korea. Primary and secondary outcome measures Obesity was defined as body mass index >= 25 kg/m(2), and abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference >= 90 cm in men and >= 85 cm in women. Kimchi consumption was assessed by the validated food frequency questionnaire. Results In men, total kimchi consumption of 1-3 servings/day was related to a lower prevalence of obesity (OR: 0.875 in 1-2 servings/day and OR: 0.893 in 2-3 servings/day) compared with total kimchi consumption of <1 serving/day. Also, men with the highest baechu kimchi (cabbage kimchi) consumption had 10% lower odds of obesity and abdominal obesity. Participants who consumed kkakdugi (radish kimchi) >= median were inversely associated with 8% in men and 11% in women with lower odds of abdominal obesity compared with non-consumers, respectively. Conclusions and relevance Consumption of 1-3 servings/day of total kimchi was associated with a lower risk of obesity in men. Baechu kimchi was associated with a lower prevalence of obesity in men, and kkakdugi was associated with a lower prevalence of abdominal obesity in both men and women. However, since all results showed a 'J-shaped' association, it is recommended to limit excessive kimchi intake.