Previous animal studies have shown the anti-obesity effect of kimchi-derived probiotic lactic acid bacteria. However, only a few epidemiological studies have investigated the association between kimchi consumption and obesity. Therefore, we aim to assess this relationship in Korean adults.

Cross-sectional study.

The Health Examinees study was conducted from 2004 to 2013.

This study analysed 115 726 participants aged 40–69 years enrolled in the Health Examinees study in Korea.

Obesity was defined as body mass index ≥25 kg/m², and abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference ≥90 cm in men and ≥85 cm in women. Kimchi consumption was assessed by the validated food frequency questionnaire.

In men, total kimchi consumption of 1–3 servings/day was related to a lower prevalence of obesity (OR: 0.875 in 1–2 servings/day and OR: 0.893 in 2–3 servings/day) compared with total kimchi consumption of

Consumption of 1–3 servings/day of total kimchi was associated with a lower risk of obesity in men. Baechu kimchi was associated with a lower prevalence of obesity in men, and kkakdugi was associated with a lower prevalence of abdominal obesity in both men and women. However, since all results showed a ‘J-shaped’ association, it is recommended to limit excessive kimchi intake.