Korean J Health Promot.  2012 Sep;12(3):146-152.

Dietary Habits and Taste Preferences of the Korean Americans According to Self Body Image Perception and Length of Residence in US

• Kwon E
• Kim J
• Lee M
• Lee H

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Weight overestimation of Korean Americans may be associated with dietary habits and preferences for foods and tastes.
METHODS
The subjects were 100 Korean Americans in New York City and LA and 100 Koreans in Seoul, who were 20-29 years old. Self-reported questionnaire consisted of age, height, weight, length of residence in US, preferences for 10 foods and 5 tastes, dietary habits and perception of self body image. Korean Americans were further divided into 3 groups according to length of residence in US.
RESULTS
More Korean American women underestimated (27.3% vs. 5.8%), and less overestimated their body weights, than Korean women (31.8% vs. 53.8%, P=0.008). Korean Americans who overestimated their own body weights had significantly higher preference for salty taste and significantly lower dietary habit score regarding regular meals.
CONCLUSIONS
Overestimation of self body size, rather than longer residence in US may be associated with the undesirable dietary habit and taste preference of Korean Americans, highlighting the importance of correct body image.

Keyword

Korean Americans; Body image; Dietary habit; Food preference

MeSH Terms

Asian Americans
Body Image
Body Size
Body Weight
Female
Food Habits
Food Preferences
Humans
New York City
Surveys and Questionnaires