In a cross-sectional study, researchers from Chung Ang University and other institutions analyzed data from the HEXA cohort study in Korea to investigate the relationship between kimchi consumption and obesity in Korean adults. The study showed that consuming 1-3 servings of kimchi per day was inversely associated with the risk of overweight in men. Additionally, men who consumed cabbage kimchi (baechu kimchi) tended to have higher rates of overweight, but lower risk of abdominal obesity.

HEXA is a long-term research in the community that is part of the larger Korean Genomic and Epidemiology Study. The aim of this research is to investigate environmental and genetic risk factors for common chronic conditions among the Korean adult population aged 40 years and above. In the previous year, dietary patterns were evaluated using a validated 106-question frequency of eating questionnaire.

Measurement of height, weight, and waist circumference is conducted on each participant. A BMI value of 18.5 indicates underweight, while a normal weight ranges from 18.5 to 25, and overweight is above 25. Abdominal obesity occurs when a person's waist circumference is at least 90 cm for men and at least 85 cm for women. Approximately 36% of the male population and 25% of the female population are identified as suffering from obesity.

Research shows a pattern that resembles a J-curve. This may be caused by high total energy consumption, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, sodium, and higher rice intake. Compared to individuals who consume less than 1 serving of kimchi per day, participants who consume 5 servings or more have higher body weight, larger waist circumference, and are at a higher risk of obesity.

However, consuming 3 servings of kimchi per day is associated with an 11% decrease in obesity prevalence compared to consuming less than 1 serving per day. In men, consuming 3 or more servings of baechu kimchi per day is associated with a 10% decrease in obesity prevalence and a 10% decrease in abdominal obesity prevalence. On the other hand, in women, consuming 2-3 servings of this type of kimchi per day is associated with an 8% decrease in obesity prevalence, while consuming 1-2 servings/day is associated with a 6% decrease in abdominal obesity prevalence.