Trends in nutrient intakes and consumption while eating-out among Korean adults based on Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1998-2012) data

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESEating-out among Korean people has become an important part of modern lifestyle due to tremendous growth of the food service industry and various social and economic changes. This study examined trends in meal patterns and meal sources while eating-out among Korean adults aged 19 years and older.SUBJECTS/METHODSData were from the 1998-2012 KNHNES (Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) by the 24-hour dietary recall method. This study included 55,718 adults aged 19 years and older. For analysis of eating-out frequency, data were categorized by source of meals and serving place.RESULTSAverage frequency of meals consumed away from home increased from 1998 to 2012, although it remained lower than that of meals at home. In addition, male, unmarried, employed, higher educated, and high income individuals more frequently consumed meals away from home. Moreover, sodium intake while eating-out significantly increased from 2,370 mg in 1998 to 2,935 mg in 2012. Lastly, percentage contributions of daily total protein intake, fat intake, and sodium intake from eating-out increased to more than half (53-55%) in 2012 compared with 47-48% in 1998.CONCLUSIONSAs eating-out has grown in popularity, greater recognition of public health and nutritional education aimed at promoting healthy food choices is needed. In addition to developing consumer education for overall healthier eating patterns, individuals who are younger, unmarried, higher educated, and males are especially at risk and require attention.

Energy intake from commercially-prepared meals by food source in Korean adults: Analysis of the 2001 and 2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys

“…This upward trend has also been reported in a previous study examining Korean adults' energy intake from eating out from 1998 to 2012 [30]. The increased calorie amount from commercially-prepared meals is cause for concern since it may lead to excessive energy intake from fat and may be a risk factor for obesity [21313233].…”

Trends in energy intake among Korean adults, 1998-2015: Results from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

“…In Korea, socio-economic growth [2728] and socio-demographic changes, such as the increase in prevalence of single household [29] and decrease in the proportion of unemployed women (Table 1), have been observed. In conjunction with these changes, the general Korean population has increased a preference for convenience meals such as those from restaurants or delivery and take-out foods [3031]. Such changes in dietary habits may have led to the observed changes in food and nutrient sources associated with energy intake.…”

Nutritional quality of lunches consumed by Korean workers: Comparison between institutional and commercial lunches

“…In Korea, the contribution of fat from meals away from home to the total daily fat intake increased from 48.0% in 1998 to 53.2% in 2012. In addition, the sodium intake increased from 47.4% in 1998 to 55.9% in 2012 [14]. …”