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Comparative study on eating habits and health of single-person and multi-person households
Variations in health status, dietary patterns, and quality of life of single-person and multi-person households
This study by Lee, Kim & Kang (2025) examines variations in health status, dietary patterns, and quality of life between individuals living alone and those in multi-person households, with a focus on differences by gender and age. Data from the 2013–2021 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which included 40,839 adults aged 19 and above, were analyzed. The analysis revealed notable health and dietary disparities between the two household types. Men living alone tended to have poorer diets and higher metabolic health risks, including larger waist circumference, higher LDL cholesterol, and elevated blood pressure, than men in multi-person households. Conversely, women in single-person households exhibited slightly more favorable metabolic markers, including lower BMI, triglyceride levels, and fasting glucose levels. On the other hand, those living alone often had poorer quality of life scores, especially women who had more mobility, anxiety, and depression problems. Data analysis highlighted that middle-aged men (40–59 years) and older women (60+) living alone faced the greatest health challenges. These findings emphasize the importance of developing targeted health policies and commercial initiatives tailored to the unique needs of diverse one-person household groups. To gain a deeper understanding of the unique needs and circumstances of people living alone, further research is recommended. [NPID: Single-person households, health disparities, dietary quality, metabolic risks, quality of life, gender differences, age subgroups, Korea]
Year: 2025
