A Survey of the Weight Control and Intake Pattern of the Girl's High School Student Residing in Busan

Ahn, Hong Seok; Bai, Hyun Sook

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In recent years, distorted body image of normal body weight is widespread among Korean young adolescent girls. Also, weight control practice has been increasing in prevalence and are highest in young girls. This study was performed to investigate the prevalence of overweight and underweight of adolescent girls and, to compare nutrient intakes, dietary behavior, nutritional knowledge and physical activity with different BMI index.
METHODS
The subjects were 399 high school girls in Busan. We devided the subjects into 3 groups according to their BMI percentiles(UW: underweight group; BMI<15th, NW: normal body weight group; 15~85th BMI, OW: overweight group; BMI>85th). A total of 399 self-reported a questionnaire including attitude to weight control, attempt to weight control, life habit, nutritional knowledge and nutrient intakes. Differences on of all above variables were assessed by body weight groups.
RESULTS
Using Korean children's BMI percentile the prevalence of overweight and underweight in girls was 9.1%, 20.9% respectively. 44% of the subject was recognized as overweight and in spite of 34% of UW was recognized as normal body weight. Almost girl students tend to have lower satisfaction for their body weight. Nutritional knowledge and life habit were not different among 3 groups. Energy intake of OW were the lowest significantly among the 3 groups. Calcium intake was 70% of RDA among all 3 groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Multidisciplinary nutrition education program is required to improve their calcium status, physical activity, and distorted image of body weight.