'16kg weight loss' Jeong Chae-yeon, 44.8 kg bone-thin figure…Wonder what her summer diet is?

Singer and actress Jeong Chaeyeon (28) shared an update showing she has lost even more weight.

In a recent everyday photo posted on social media (SNS), Jeong Chaeyeon wore a black sleeveless top and revealed her gaunt shoulders and skinny arm lines. Her jeans looked so loose around her waist that it was hard to believe she had any belly fat at all.

She also confirmed her skeletal figure by showing the number on a scale: 44.8 kg. At 166 cm tall, that weight corresponds to a body mass index (BMI) of 16.3, which falls into the underweight range (below 18.5). Another photo showed her recent diet items, including steamed sweet potatoes, corn, soybean noodle soup, peaches, and Greek yogurt.

Before her girl group debut, Jeong Chaeyeon reportedly lost 16 kg in just three months, going from 64 kg to 48 kg. Even now, while working as an actress, she is losing more weight by continuing her diet. In particular, soybean noodle soup has long been one of her favorite foods among bean-based dishes.

Jeong Chaeyeon recently drew great love for the new song 'Suddenly' through reunion activities marking the 10th anniversary of I.O.I's debut, and she will appear in Disney+ series 'The Miracle of Namiya General Store,' scheduled for release next year. We take a look at Jeong Chaeyeon's summer diet as she stays on top of both her health and weight management amid her busy schedule.

Soybean noodle soup: "Rich plant protein increases fullness"

The main ingredient in soybean noodle soup, soybeans, is rich in high-quality plant protein and dietary fiber. Protein helps maintain muscle mass, and dietary fiber slows digestion to keep you feeling full for longer. It is also rich in unsaturated fat and potassium, which can positively affect cardiovascular health.

However, soybean noodle soup is not necessarily low in calories just because it is considered healthy. Since it contains a large amount of soy in the broth and noodles as well, one bowl can exceed 500 to 700 kcal. If you are on a diet, it is better to reduce the amount of noodles and consume plenty of the soybean broth. Using whole-wheat noodles, tofu noodles, or konjac noodles instead of white wheat noodles can somewhat reduce the spike in blood sugar. Adding cucumbers, tomatoes, or boiled eggs can help supplement vitamins and protein, improving nutritional balance.

Steamed sweet potatoes: "Healthy carbs that raise blood sugar slowly"

Sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fiber, beta-carotene, and potassium. Dietary fiber increases fullness and helps with gut health. In particular, potassium helps excrete sodium and may be effective for blood pressure management. However, overeating them because they are good for dieting can increase calorie and carbohydrate intake. As a snack, one medium sweet potato (100 to 150 g) is appropriate. Eating them with protein foods such as boiled eggs or Greek yogurt helps fullness last longer and reduces rapid rises in blood sugar.

Steamed corn: "Rich in dietary fiber, but portion control is needed"

Corn contains dietary fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidant compounds such as lutein and zeaxanthin that help eye health. It also takes a long time to chew, which helps increase fullness. However, corn is also a food high in carbohydrates. Rather than eating one or two large ears at once, it is appropriate to have half to one medium ear as a snack. Eating it with boiled eggs or soy milk can supplement protein while still making it a relatively healthy meal or snack.

Peaches: "High in water, making them suitable as a summer snack"

Peaches have a high water content and contain antioxidant compounds such as vitamin C and polyphenols. They are also relatively low in calories, making them suitable for hydration and snacking in summer. However, since fruit still contains sugar, it is recommended to eat about one medium peach at a time rather than too much at once. In particular, if peaches are consumed as juice, the fiber decreases and sugar can be absorbed more quickly, so it is better to eat the whole fruit. Eating them with nuts or Greek yogurt supplies protein and healthy fats, helping fullness last longer.

Greek yogurt: "Replenishes protein that is often lacking during dieting"

Greek yogurt has a higher protein content and less water than regular yogurt. Protein helps reduce muscle loss during weight loss and keeps you feeling full for longer. It is also effective for calcium intake. However, sugar content varies widely by product. It is better to choose unsweetened plain products rather than fruit-flavored or syrup-added ones. Adding a small amount of fruit such as blueberries or peaches, or nuts, allows you to consume antioxidants and unsaturated fats as well.

A diet centered on beans, sweet potatoes, corn, fruit, and Greek yogurt like Jeong Chaeyeon's is composed of relatively healthy foods, but if meal portions are too small or only certain foods are repeated for a long time, there can be deficiencies in protein, iron, vitamin B12, and essential fatty acids. Also, if weight has dropped to the point that body mass index (BMI) falls into the underweight range, it becomes more important to consume enough energy and nutrients in a balanced way rather than simply managing weight, and to maintain muscle mass by combining regular strength training.

Reporter Lee Bo-hyeon