Overview
- People who reported eating instant noodles more than twice a week had a 48% higher odds of metabolic syndrome than rare consumers.
- Regular consumers also showed a 38% higher likelihood of hypertriglyceridemia and signs of abdominal obesity in the analysis.
- The study drew on Korea’s national health survey from 2012–2016 and relied on self-reported food questionnaires covering 112 items.
- Researchers and nutrition experts stress the findings show association rather than proof of causation and note stronger links reported for women.
- Typical packets contain about 600–1,500 mg sodium against a WHO guideline of under 2,000 mg per day, and experts suggest mitigating steps such as adding vegetables and protein, using less flavour sachet, and choosing higher‑fibre noodles.