Associations between Home Meal Replacement Consumption Frequency and Public Health Outcomes Among Adults in Their 20s and 30s in Daegu

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between the frequency of home meal replacement (HMR) consumption and public health outcomes among adults in their 20s and 30s, from a public health perspective. Methods: A survey was conducted among 420 adults aged 20-39 (240 men and 180 women) in the Daegu region who had experience using HMR. Participants were categorized into high-, medium-, and low-frequency HMR consumption groups. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software. Results: The high-frequency HMR group had a significantly higher proportion of individuals who were either underweight or obese compared to other groups (<i>p</i> < 0.05), and showed a lower rate of regular exercise (<i>p</i> < 0.01). In Model 2, individuals in the high-frequency group were 3.344 times (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.53-7.32) more likely to consume late-night meals three or more times per week compared to those in the low-frequency group. Conclusions: The high-frequency HMR group was found to have a lower rate of regular exercise and a higher combined proportion of underweight or obesity, indicating that frequent HMR consumption has negative implications from a public health perspective. Additionally, the dietary styles of the high-frequency HMR group showed lower levels of adequacy-seeking and diversity-seeking tendencies, confirming that individuals in their 20s and 30s who frequently consume HMRs need to prioritize changes in dietary awareness and behaviors. Therefore, to promote healthy dietary behavior changes among people in their 20s and 30s, this study suggests strengthening public health efforts by providing education that links health and food, and by activating nutrition education policies.