한국 성인의 생애주기에 따른 초가공식품 섭취와 대사증후군과의 관련성

Abstract

The relationship between ultra-processed food intake, and metabolic syndrome according to the life cycle of Korean adults : Using th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Ko Ah-Ra Advisor : Prof. Ji-Young Choi Ph.D. Major in Department of Food and Nutrition Graduate School of Education, Chosun University Since the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, the assimilation of convenient meals, such as takeout and delivery, into daily life has become increasingly natural. Beyond natural foods, the majority of our food undergoes some form of processing. Processed foods are harnessed to create novel food forms by leveraging the distinctive characteristics of food ingredients. This includes simplifying cooking processes, enhancing taste preferences, and extending storage periods. The processing technology for these foods is evolving, incorporating the use of food additives in methods like drying, salting, and smoking. The global rise in the consumption of ultra-processed foods in recent years has been propelled by the utilization of food additives. These ultra-processed products are categorized and evaluated based on the level of food processing using the NOVA food classification system, and they have been the focus of numerous studies worldwide. Most ultra-processed products are renowned for their appealing taste and easy availability, consistently being consumed as profit-driven foods. Consequently, the surge in exposure to and intake of ultra-processed foods has emerged as a major contributor to the increasing incidence of obesity and non-communicable diseases, presenting a significant health challenge. Despite this, research on the relationship between metabolic syndrome and the consumption of ultra-processed foods across different life stages remains insufficient. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the correlation between ultra-processed food intake and metabolic syndrome across various life stages. The study involved analyzing data from 13,350 adults aged 19 and older who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Survey from 2019 to 2021. Dietary data were collected using the 24-hour recall method, and ultra-processed products were classified according to the NOVA classification. General characteristics of the study subjects and their consumption of ultra-processed foods revealed significant differences in education level, household income, marital status, drinking and smoking habits, aerobic and high-intensity physical activity, medium-intensity physical activity, muscle strength exercise, and sedentary time. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between ultra-processed food intake and metabolic syndrome, adjusting for education level, income, marital status, physical activity, drinking and smoking habits, BMI, and total energy intake. The results indicated that the age group with the highest dependence on ultra-processed food intake among Korean adults was adolescents, with higher intakes of fat and protein compared to other life stages. Although the statistical analysis did not reveal significant associations between ultra-processed food consumption and metabolic syndrome, fasting blood sugar showed a significant association in adolescence. The impact of increased ultra-processed food intake on metabolic syndrome and its components varied depending on gender and life stage. Further detailed studies, in conjunction with previous research, are necessary to explore the association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and non-communicable diseases. Keywords: Adult, life cycle, ultra-processed food, metabolic syndrome