Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relations among nutrient intake. self body image and satisfaction, and physical fitness of college students in Taegu. A total of 213 apparently healthy college students living in Taegu were selected for the study. The following anthropometric measurements were made on all participants : weight, height: waist and hip circumferences, and bioimpedence. Using weight and height, the body mass index (kg/$m^2$) was calculated. The 24-hour recall were obtained from subjects. Dietary habits and energy expenditure were examined through questionnaires. Nutrients intake were analyzed by computer aided nutritional analysis program. Variables of Physical fitness were consisted of body fat, muscular strength and endurance, agility. power, flexibility, cardiorespiratory function, physical efficiency index(PEI). Data were analyzed by computer using the SAS 6.12(Statistical Analysis System). The mean heights and weights of these students were similar to those reported for the 50th percentile in a national survey. Nutrient intake of the college students in Taegu was considerably lower than RDA. The male subjects' mean intake of two nutrients, vitamin B$_2$ and calcium, were less than 55% of the RDAs. the female subjects' mean intake of two nutrients, iron and calcium, were less than 55% of the RDAs. A most variables of physical fitness except sit and reach in male students showed a significant higher values than those of female students. There was a significant positive relationship between PEI and the intake of animal protein, fat, Ca. and B$_2$ in male students. Also there was a significant positive relationship between exercise duration of PWC 170 and protein, fat, iron, vitamin A, B$_2$, niacin, and energy intake in female students. The muscular strength showed the significant correlation with weight, height, and waist circumference in male and female students. The cardiorespiratory function and Physical efficiency index showed significantly negative correlation with tricep and subscapular skin thickness in the female students. There were significantly positive correlations between WHR and body efficiency index in male students, and significantly positive correlations between WHR and the cardiorespiratory function in female students. There was no significant level of correlation between the degree of satisfaction of body image and physical efficiency index. However. there was a significant positive correlation between waist circumference (and weight) and physical efficiency index in male and female students and almost all of the surveyed male and female college students wanted less waist circumference or weight even though they were in the criteria of standard waist circumference or weight. In conclusion, a beneficial effect of adequate nutrient intake on physical fitness was found, college students must increase their energy and nutrient intake if it is below than the RDA for improving their physical fitness.
