The purpose of this study is to collect research data on sugar intake and obesity of Koreans and through systematic review, present our views on the topic.
An analysis of previously reported research studies was conducted through systematic review and data were collected from databases in Korea and other countries. Out of 1,316 studies collected, 7 were chosen for the purpose of this research study.
According to a study including female Korean high school students and college students in Seoul as the subjects, those who were overweight had slightly lower sugar intake than those who were normal weight. Another study conducted on a large group of females showed that there was no substantial difference in the level of sugar intake between the “Obese Group” and the “Normal Weight Group.” In the group of Korean adults with a high level of carb consumption, the cross ratio of the overall sugar intake and obesity showed a tendency to increase, but no significant differences were observed. Intake of sugar-sweetened drinks by children and teenagers (age 7 to 12) in Korea resulted in an increase in the odds ratio of obesity.
This study does not show that the amount of sugar intake and obesity does not show a direct correlation among Koreans. A more developed and thorough study that considers not only the amount of sugar intake, but also other factors such as physical activity or exercise, should be devised.