Young Koreans are ordering in and paying the price
Food delivery apps have become a daily habit for many young people in South Korea, but health experts warn that this convenience may be harming the younger generation. High-calorie, high-sodium delivery meals are increasingly replacing home-cooked food.
According to a report by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the number of adults who eat delivery or takeout food at least once a day rose from 18.3 percent in 2016 to 24.3 percent in 2023. Although the figure peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has remained high even after restrictions ended.
The trend is strongest among people in their 20s and 30s. More than 30 percent of young adults rely on delivery or takeout meals daily. Researchers say this shows a long-term shift from eating out or cooking at home to ordering food online.
Health officials warn that frequent delivery meals increase the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Many delivery foods do not include nutrition labels and often contain large amounts of salt, fat and sugar. KDCA said regular consumers are more likely to exceed safe daily intake levels.
Experts also raised concerns about microplastics from plastic food containers. Studies have shown that eating hot food from plastic packaging can increase microplastic intake, which may harm gut health and raise the risk of serious diseases. Researchers urged consumers to make healthier and more informed food choices.
Source: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/travel-food/20260121/young-koreans-are-ordering-in-and-paying-the-price |
