Wellness expert warns of rising nutritional imbalance

At the ‘Zespri Nutrition Con’ wellness talk concert held in Seoul, endocrinologist Woo Chang-yoon addressed the growing issue of nutritional imbalance among modern populations. According to the 2024 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, approximately 32.4% of the population suffers from nutritional imbalance, characterized by a combination of nutrient deficiencies and excessive energy intake.

Dr. Woo identified several key drivers of this imbalance, including skipping breakfast, increased reliance on delivery services, and the frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods. He warned that while these issues may not be immediately felt in youth, they can lead to accelerated aging and metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, hypertension, and obesity.

To combat these trends, Dr. Woo recommended making small, sustainable changes rather than attempting drastic dietary overhauls. Key suggestions included eating a light breakfast to prevent compensatory overeating later in the day and prioritizing whole, natural foods over processed juices or snacks to ensure higher nutrient density. The event, which featured entertainer Gangnam, emphasized the importance of finding joy in dietary balance to ensure long-term health maintenance.