Koreans in their 20s have unhealthiest diets, survey shows

By Kim Hyun-bin

Koreans in their 20s have the unhealthiest eating habits among age groups, according to the latest state report, Sunday.

According to the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) from the Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), those aged 19 to 29 rated lowest at 57.5 out of 100 points, compared with the national average of 63.3 points. People in their 30s were also below the average with 61.1.

The findings are based on a survey of 15,954 people ― 6,688 males and 9,266 females.

The HEI is an indication of diet quality to assess how well recommended food groups align with specific nutrient intake according to dietary guidelines. It divides dietary life into 14 categories, graded from either zero through 10 or zero to five points, with all categories summed up.

According to the report, the below-average HEI grades in the younger age groups were due to their eating habits: skipping breakfast and eating fewer fruits and grains.

The study also showed that with age, people improve their eating habits as evidenced by the finding that older age groups had higher HEI scores _ or 64.4 for those in their 40s, 66.2 for those in their 50s and 67.8 for those in their 60s ― although the score for the 70s or older was lower at 64.5.

People who eat more fruits and vegetables, white meat instead of red meat, and brown rice over white rice received higher ratings.

In addition, low consumption of alcohol, carbonated drinks and salt led to higher marks.

The report said those in their 30s and 40s ate too many salty products, while those in their 60s and 70s did not eat enough meat, fish, poultry, milk and other dairy products. People in this group were also rated low in carbohydrate consumption.

In the research, women scored 64.8, while men scored 61.7.

“Generally people rated high on sugar, beverages, fatty acids, and vegetable intake compare to other categories, but consumption of dairy products, fruits and grains was rated comparatively low,” said a KCDC official. “To improve the country's HEI, we need to increase consumption in these categories.”