The nutrition transition in South Korea

Abstract

The nutrition transition in South Korea is unique. National efforts to retain elements of the traditional diet are thought to have shaped this transition in South Korea in the midst of rapid economic growth and the introduction of Western culture.

Social-cognitive predictors of dietary behaviors in South Korean men and women

“…One possible conclusion could be that the relationship between knowledge or health consciousness and a positive motivational inclination might be less articulate after reaching a certain knowledge threshold. The findings may also be related to the higher prevalence of adult obesity in women than in men (Kim et al, 2000). Being overweight might be more salient for women than for men, which may result in better knowledge of dietary consequences.…”

“…Related to these changes, a dramatic shift in the leading causes of death from infectious and parasitic diseases to cardiovascular diseases and cancer occurred in the 1970s (Kim, Moon, & Popkin, 2000). The transition in disease patterns from communicable to noncommunicable diseases, with cardiovascular diseases as the primary cause of death is, among other factors, due to changes in lifestyle and to a prolongation of average life expectancy (Lee, Popkin, & Kim, 2002).…”

“…The traditional Korean diet is low in fat and high in vegetables (Lee et al, 2002). Although there is a recent increase in the consumption of food products of animal origin and a decrease in total cereal intake, the amount of fat intake has remained low in Korea as opposed to other Asian countries (Kim et al, 2000). Consequently, the total prevalence of being overweight was only about 24% for men and women, and the prevalence of adult obesity was only 1.7% for men and 3.0% for women (data from 1998; Kim et al, 2000).…”

“…Although there is a recent increase in the consumption of food products of animal origin and a decrease in total cereal intake, the amount of fat intake has remained low in Korea as opposed to other Asian countries (Kim et al, 2000). Consequently, the total prevalence of being overweight was only about 24% for men and women, and the prevalence of adult obesity was only 1.7% for men and 3.0% for women (data from 1998; Kim et al, 2000). However, the average body mass index (BMI) has increased steadily since the 1970s, whereby women show less of an increase than men (Lee & Sobal, 2003).…”

Household food insecurity and dietary intake in Korea: results from the 2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

“…In South Korea, national food availability and the purchasing power of Koreans have been enhanced by rapid economic growth (2) . However, differences in the quantity and quality of dietary intake based on socio-economic status have widened over time (3) .…”