J Nutr Health.  2024 Jun;57(3):336-348. 10.4163/jnh.2024.57.3.336.

Association of delivered food consumption with dietary behaviors and obesity among young adults in Jeju

• Ko M
• Ha K

• KMID: 2557902
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4163/jnh.2024.57.3.336

Abstract

Purpose
The use of food delivery services is increasing continuously in Korea, which may lead to nutritional problems and obesity. Despite this, the research on the association between delivered food consumption and obesity has been insufficient. This study examined the relationship between delivered food consumption and dietary behaviors and obesity among young adults in Jeju.
Methods
An online survey was conducted from March 15 to April 5, 2023; 312 participants aged 19–39 years were included in the final analysis. The frequency, types, and time of delivered food consumption were measured using a questionnaire. The dietary behaviors included the following: eating out, breakfast consumption, recognition of nutrition labels, and eating salty foods, vegetables, and fruit. Obesity was defined using the body mass index based on self-reported body weight and height.
Results
Approximately 59.3% of the participants ordered delivery foods more than one time/ week. The frequency of delivered food consumption was higher in people who consumed breakfast < 5 times/week than those who consumed ≥ 5 times/week (p = 0.0088). People who usually eat salty foods tended to consume delivered food more frequently than those who did not (p = 0.0377). On the other hand, people who consumed fruits ≥ 1 time/day had a higher frequency of delivered food consumption than those who consumed fruits < 1 time/day (p = 0.0110). After adjusting for the confounding variables, the group who consumed delivered foods more than three times/week had an increased odds ratio (OR) of obesity compared to those who consumed less one time/week (OR, 2.38; 95% confidence intervals, 1.12–5.06).
Conclusion
Young adults in Jeju who frequently consume delivered foods tended to have poor dietary habits including skipping breakfast and eating salty, and they had an increased odds of obesity. The overall dietary patterns can be improved by providing nutrition education and developing policies to promote or support healthy food choices when ordering delivered foods or eating out.

Keyword

food services; dietary habits; obesity; life style