The Difference of Biochemical Status, Dietary Habits and Dietary Behaviors according to the Obesity Degree among Obese Children

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to find biochemical status, dietary habits and dietary behaviors according to the degree of obesity among obese children, and to provide baseline data for nutrition education. The number of subjects was 64 obese children(Mildly obesed MI 19, Moderately obese Mo 30, Severely obese SI 15) participated in '98 Summer Nutrition Camp'. The results of this study were as follows. 1. Weight and body fat rate was increased according to obesity degree(p<0.05). Total cholesterol and TG also was increased according to obesity degree but it was statistically significant. 2. In dietary habits, it wasn't statistically significant but MI tended to eat fast and to eat the snacks before sleeping. MO tended to skip the breakfast. SI tended to eat more snacks and dinner and they tended to overeat. 3. In cognition of self-weight, most obese children(93.7%) worried about their weight but 73.4% of obese children thought that it was possible for losing weight. There were no difference by the obesity degree. 4. In dietary behaviors, there were no statistically significant difference but MI and SI than MO tended to had worse dietary behaviors. 5. In life styles, SI than the others have tendency to have more regular exercise but they had more indoor activities than outdoor activities. 6. In foods intake frequency, SI than MI and MO ate instant foods more frequently and MI than the others ate hot and salty foods more frequently(p<0.05). With these result, MI and SI than MO tended to have undesirable dietary habits and behaviors. Many obese children worried about the weight but they had positive thought about losing weight. SI tended to do regularly exercise but they had more indoor activities than outdoor activities. Therefore, only with this study, it is difficult to say that there is the clear difference by the obesity degree. Because, in this study, we can have some difference among these groups, we should study more about these difference for effective, systemic and practical nutrition education in the future.