An Assessment of Obesity and Dietary Habits of College Students Taking the Course Health and Diet

Kim, Hyeon A; Lee, Kyung Hwa; Cho, Young Ja

Abstract

We examined the obesity levels and dietary habits of 323 college students taking the course 'Health and Diet' as a part of theirnutritional education. The average percentages of body fat, BMI and RBW for subjects in this study were 16.7%, 21.5kg/m2 and -1.2% in male students and 27.3%, 21.2kg/m2 and 1.0% in female students, respectively. BMI and RBW indicated fewer cases of obesity among female students than BIA did. The average intake of energy by subjects was lower than the RDA of energy. In particular, the average intakes of calcium, iron, and vitamin A by female students were much lower than the RDA of energy. In particular, the average intakes of calcium, iron, and vitamin A by female students were much lower than the RDAs of each of those nutrients. The percent RDAs of nutrient intakes of energy, protein, thiamin, and riboflavin were lower in underweight students than in students of normal and over-weight. Female students were found to skip mealsand consume sweet foods more frequently than male students. The obesity levels of students related to the number of meals eaten per day as well as the frequency of consuming sweet foods. Although, it was not possible to determine statistically, the levels obesity also seemed to correspond to the speed at which meals were eate as well as the frequency of eating salty foods. These results suggest that in order to assess obesity propertly, more research that focuses on subjects' gender should be conducted. In addition, nutritional education should emphasize the importance of intakes of energy and phosphorus for male students, and the danger of iron and calcium deficiencies for female students. We should also educate students about dietary habits which contribute to obesity such as overeating and the intake of sweet foods.