J Korean Diet Assoc.  2025 May;31(2):150-166. 10.14373/JKDA.2025.31.2.150.

Influence of Dietary and Mental Health Factors on Adolescents’ Frequency of Watching Mukbang and Cookbang: Utilizing Data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey

• Lee SJ

• KMID: 2568303
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14373/JKDA.2025.31.2.150

Abstract

This study used data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey to examine the relationship between adolescents’ dietary habits, mental health, and Mukbang and Cookbang frequency of watching. Decision tree analysis identified weight control as the most significant factor influencing the frequency of watching Mukbang and Cookbang. Despite efforts to lose weight and avoid fast food, feelings of sadness or despair led to an increase in the number of frequent viewers (FV). In addition, frequent consumption of sweet beverages, even without engaging in weight control, also contributed to increased FV. High stress levels significantly affected the FV, even in cases where individuals neither controlled their weight nor consumed sweet beverages. Adolescents’ dietary habits and mental health can influence the frequency of watching Mukbang and Cookbang. This study provides valuable insights for improving nutritional education and highlights the importance of promoting healthy dietary and mental health management for adolescents, as well as educating them on proper media usage.

Keyword

Mukbang; Cookbang; dietary habits; mental health; adolescent