IVE member Jang Won-young’s eating habits decoded — how she stays at 48kg, but is it healthy?
IVE"s Jang Won-young / Captured from Jang's social media
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IVE member Jang Won-young has opened up about her eating habits and approach to maintaining her figure.
In a video titled “Not me but Jang Won-young’s vlog” uploaded to Kang Min-kyung’s YouTube channel on Sept. 1, Jang visited her favorite restaurant with the singer to celebrate her birthday on Aug. 31.
When Kang asked if she was currently dieting, Jang said, “I eat a lot when I want to, but when I’m working or stressed, I tend to lose my appetite, so I don’t eat much during busy periods.” Asked how she was feeling that day, Jang replied, “Right now, I’m in the mood to eat.”
“I think you’ll relate to this,” Jang told Kang. “Even if I eat just one meal, I choose something delicious or I’d rather skip it altogether. I don’t want to eat something I don’t like.” She also shared that on her days off, her favorite activity is “visiting famous restaurants,” underscoring her love of good food.
At 173 cm tall and weighing about 48 kg, Jang is known for her “mannequin-like” figure. Her eating habits reveal a unique balance between light eating and intermittent fasting, with experts weighing in on the health implications of her approach.
Jang Won-young reveals her somewhat irregular eating habits. Captured from Kang Min-kyung’s YouTube channel
Eating patterns between light meals and intermittent fasting
Jang’s approach differs from the typical “small-portion eating” or structured “intermittent fasting” plans. Small-portion eating involves intentionally reducing food intake, while intermittent fasting focuses on fixed fasting periods, such as the popular 16:8 method — fasting for 16 hours and eating within an eight-hour window.
Jang said she sometimes skips meals when stressed but eats freely when she wants to. While this creates longer gaps between meals, which can mimic some effects of intermittent fasting, she does not intentionally follow a strict schedule. Experts note that while extended fasting periods can aid weight control, frequent skipping of meals due to stress may lead to nutritional imbalances, weakened immunity, and reduced stamina.
Health concerns from irregular eating
Jang’s habit of eating only meals she enjoys can reduce unnecessary snacking, but skipping meals entirely may pose health risks over time. Idol groups often face tight schedules that make regular eating difficult, but experts warn that long-term irregular eating can affect overall health.
Without balanced nutrition, adults — especially women — may face issues such as reduced bone density, anemia, digestive problems, and lower immunity. Sudden changes in meal patterns can also trigger bloating, gastritis, constipation, and other gastrointestinal issues.
Furthermore, irregular eating has been linked to metabolic complications, including weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Disruptions to blood sugar regulation and hormonal balance can also impact concentration, memory, mood, and sleep quality.
The secret behind Jang’s slim figure
Despite her irregular eating habits, Jang attributes her slim figure to eating slowly and savoring her food. In the video, she revealed, “I want to have dinner in a Parisian style, taking three hours if I can. I don’t like rushing through meals.”
Nutrition experts say that slow eating can help control weight by allowing the brain around 20 minutes to register fullness, preventing overeating. Eating at a slower pace also stimulates the release of leptin, a hormone that suppresses appetite, while reducing ghrelin, which triggers hunger.
Studies show that thorough chewing and slow eating can enhance metabolism, improve fat burning, and promote better digestion and nutrient absorption. Additionally, slower rises in blood sugar levels after meals help maintain energy longer and reduce hunger between meals.
This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top healthcare and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.