All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Clinical study confirms kimchi's effectiveness in fighting obesity
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
Approximately 16% of the world's population, or about 890 million people, suffer from obesity. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized obesity as a serious health problem, emphasizing its impact on the quality of life and overall health of people around the world.
In response to this problem, the World Kimchi Institute in South Korea is publishing a series of articles in international journals on the anti-obesity properties of kimchi. These studies show that regular consumption of kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented food, is effective in reducing body fat levels and may be a promising dietary strategy for combating obesity.
Research: Kimchi's Effectiveness Against Obesity
Recent studies confirm the effectiveness of kimchi in fighting obesity:
- Preclinical animal studies have shown a 31.8% reduction in body fat levels when kimchi is included in the diet.
- A 13-year long-term follow-up of participants in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) found that kimchi consumption was associated with a 15% lower body mass index (BMI) and a 12% lower incidence of obesity in middle-aged men.
Clinical Study: Kimchi and Gut Microbiota
A research team led by Dr. Seong-Wook Hong from the World Kimchi Institute, in collaboration with Pusan National University Hospital, conducted a clinical study on the effects of kimchi on obesity and gut microbiota. The results of the study were published in the Journal of Functional Foods.
Study details:
- The study included 55 overweight adults (BMI 23 to 30 kg/m²).
- Participants took three kimchi capsules with each meal (60 g kimchi per day) for three months. The capsules contained kimchi powder made by freeze-drying cabbage kimchi that had been fermented at 4°C for two weeks.
Research results
Reduction of fat mass:
- Participants who consumed kimchi experienced a 2.6% reduction in fat mass.
- The control group, which did not take the capsules, experienced a 4.7% increase in fat mass.
- The difference between groups was statistically significant.
Changes in gut microbiota:
- Consumption of kimchi increased the levels of the beneficial bacteria Akkermansia muciniphila.
- Reduction in levels of Proteobacteria bacteria associated with obesity.
Conclusion: Regular consumption of kimchi helps reduce obesity symptoms by modulating gut microbiota.
Experts' opinion
Dr. Hae-Jun Chang, Director of the World Kimchi Institute, said:
“The results of preclinical and clinical studies have systematically confirmed the anti-obesity properties of kimchi. This scientific evidence will help popularize the unique properties of kimchi and strengthen its reputation as a healthy food on a global scale.”
She also added that research will continue to enhance the functional health properties of kimchi, including improving gastrointestinal health, boosting immunity and anti-cancer properties.
Kimchi Day
In South Korea, November 22 was officially declared National Kimchi Day in 2020, making it the first Korean food officially recognized for its unique health benefits. Since then, the United States, United Kingdom, Argentina, and Brazil have also held kimchi festivals on this day.