South Koreans’ average daily calorie intake fell 11% over a decade

South Koreans ate fewer calories on average in 2024 than in 2015, according to government data.

Men consumed an average of 2,136 calories a day, down 11.9 percent, while women consumed 1,580, down 10.6 percent.

The data covers South Korean nationals aged over one and comes from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.

Carbohydrates made up a smaller share of diets, falling to 56.5 percent for both men and women.

Fat’s share rose to 26.7 percent for both, while the share from protein also increased.

More people consumed less than 75 percent of recommended calories, the government’s definition of under-eating.

The share rose from 23.2 to 34.6 percent among men and from 32.4 to 39.7 percent among women.

The data shows changes over the decade, but does not say what caused them or what happens next.