Purpose: Sodium is essentially required for homeostasis and physiological functions, but excessive sodium consumption increases the risk of obesity and other chronic disorders.Korean studies on the sodium-obesity relationship are limited, and thus, this study was undertaken to determine the nature of the relationship between sodium intake and obesity in Korean adults. Methods: Forty-two participants were divided into 2 groups according to body mass index (BMI, non-obese BMI < 25 kg/m2 , obese BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 ). Dietary intakes and eating habits were analyzed using 3-day food records and a food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric data were obtained from bioimpedance results, and fasting glucose and lipid levels were measured. Results: Mean weight, BMI, waist and hip circumferences, and body fat mass were greater in the obese group than in the non-obese group for men and women. Skeletal muscle mass and body fat mass were higher in obese women than in non-obese women. Biochemical data were no different in these two subgroups except triglycerides (TGs), which were higher in obese women. Nutrient intakes were not significantly different in obese and non-obese groups.However, obese men consumed excessive sodium, while obese women consumed slightly more than non-obese women. Obese men preferred salty foods and tended to overeat.Positive correlations were found between sodium intake and weight in men and percent body fat mass (PBFM) in women. Correlation analysis (adjusted for energy intake) of the relation between sodium intake and obesity-related factors showed sodium intake was positively correlated with PBFM and TG in women. Conclusion This anthropometric and biochemical data analysis emphasizes the need for awareness and interventions to mitigate the health risks of elevated sodium consumption.Our findings should aid future studies on the relationship between sodium and obesity and contribute to preventing and managing this metabolic condition.

Purpose: Korean patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity are at a high risk of developing severe non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study examined the dietary intakes and compared the risks of NAFLD-related complications in Korean patients with T2DM and obesity. Methods: Data from the Korean National Diabetes Program cohort were used to study patients with T2DM. Two hundred and sixty-five obese patients with T2DM (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2 ) were classified into NAFLD and non-NAFLD groups. The nutrient intake was analyzed using a 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire. Anthropometric and biochemical data were also obtained. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the significant differences between the 2 groups. Results: The serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels in obese patients with T2DM and NAFLD were significantly higher than in obese T2DM patients without NAFLD (p < 0.05). The serum glucose and lipid profiles showed no significant differences between the NAFLD and non-NAFLD groups. The carbohydrate, protein, and fat levels also did not differ significantly. The results showed that the fiber intake of the NAFLD and non-NAFLD groups was 14.11 ± 3.86 g/100 kcal and 15.70 ± 4.56 g/1,000 kcal, respectively, showing that the dietary fiber intake of the non-NAFLD group was significantly higher (p < 0.05). A correlation was observed between total fiber intake and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase in either patient group. In addition, the odds ratio of developing NAFLD was 0.29× lower when the fiber was consumed at 125% of adequate intake. Conclusions A higher dietary fiber intake may reduce the risk of NAFLD in obese patients with T2DM. The dietary intake of Korean obese patients with T2DM should include and be enriched in dietary fiber to aid in preventing and treating NAFLD.