• 제목/요약/키워드: Anthropometric values

검색결과 198건 처리시간 0.023초

비만아와 정상체중아의 혈청 인지질 지방산 조성의 비교 (Fatty Acid Composition of Serum Phospholipids in Ohese Children Compared with Age and Sex-Hatched Normal Weight Children)

  • 김은경;지경아;정은정;엄영숙;박태선
    • Journal of Nutrition and Health
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    • 제35권1호
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    • pp.60-68
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    • 2002
  • Purpose of this study was to compare serum phospholipid fatty acid composition of obese children with that of normal weight children reside in Kangnung area. Subjects were consisted of 56(41 boys and 15 girls) moderately or severely obese elementary school children, and age and sex-matched normal weight children as a control group. Level of serum phospholipid fatty acids was measured by thin layer chromatography(TLC) followed by gas chromatography(GLC). for male subjects, serum triglyceride(121 $\pm$ 4.7mg/dl) and total cholesterol(180 $\pm$ 37.1mg/dl) concentrations were significantly(p < 0.05) higher in obese group than those for control group(81.5 $\pm$ 2.5mg/dl and 161 $\pm$ 32.0mg/dl, respectively). Obese group showed significantly higher percentage of serum phospholipid myristic acid(C14:0) than the value for control group in both male and female subjects. Obese male subjects had significantly higher percentages of palmitoleic acid(16 : 1), oleic acid(18 : 1), dihomo-${\gamma}$-linoleic acid(20 : 3, $\omega$6) and docosatetraenoic acid(22 : 4, $\omega$6), and lower percentages of eicosenoic acid(20 : 1, $\omega$6), docosapentaenoic acid(22 : 5, $\omega$6), EPA(22 : 5, $\omega$3) and DHA (22 : 6, $\omega$3) compared to values for control male subjects. For male subjects, obese group showed significantly higher ratios of 16 : 1($\omega$9)/16 : 0 and 18 : 1($\omega$9)/18 : 0, and significantly lower ratios of 22 : 5($\omega$6)/22 4($\omega$6), and 22 : 6($\omega$3)/22 : 5($\omega$3) compacted to values for the control group. But there was not significant differences in elongation and desaturation indices of serum phospholipids fatty acid metabolism between obese and control group in female subjects. Most of anthropometric measurements related to obesity were negatively correlated with the percentages of PUFA, $\omega$3 fatty acids or DHA(22 : 6, $\omega$3), and positively correlated with the percentage of myristic acid(14 : 0) or $\omega$6/$\omega$3 ratio in serum phospholipids. Serum triglyceride concentration was negatively correlated with the percentage of PUFA or $\omega$3 fatty acids, and positively correlated with $\omega$6/$\omega$3 ratio in serum phospholipids. These results indicate that obesity related changes in blood lipid levels and metabolism are more significant in male subjects than in female subjects. Also changes in serum phospholipid fatty acid composition observed in obese children appear to demonstrate the increased susceptibility of these children to cardiovascular disease and other related chronic diseases.

만성 질환 노인에서의 면역 성분 양상과 식이예방인자 (Inflammatory Cytokines and Dietary Factors in Korean Elderly with Chronic Disease)

  • 박희정;황유진;김화영
    • Journal of Nutrition and Health
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    • 제39권4호
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    • pp.372-380
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    • 2006
  • The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between inflammatory cytokines and chronic disease status in Korean elderly. The subjects were 248 elderly people aged over 65 years recruited from Health Center in Seoul. The subjects were classified into 3 groups based on their disease (diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia) status: subjects with one diagnosed disease of diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia fall into singular group (n=89), subjects with more than 2 disease into multiple group (n=39), and those with free of the diseases into normal (n=122). Anthropometric and biochemical characteristics, and dietary intakes were assessed. Dietary intakes were surveyed by 24-recall method. The means of IL-2, IL-6, MCP-1 and C3 were not differ among 3 groups. However, when subjects classified into tertiles of IL-6, MCP-1, TNF-$\alpha$ and C3 and frequencies of each fertile were compared, the multiple group showed significantly lower frequencies in lowest fertile than normal group (p<0.05), suggesting higher tendency of inflammatory responses. For hematological values, blood pressure, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose levels were highest in multiple group (p<0.05) compared to other 2 groups. BMI, body fat(kg), and triceps skinfold thickness were also significantly higher in multiple group than in 2 other groups(p<0.05). Moreover, the concentrations of IL-2, IL-6 and C3 were significantly correlated with hematologic values of fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides or obesity factors such as triceps skinfold thickness, BMI, and body fat(%). Among singular and multiple group, the subjects with higher intakes for vitamins A, C, and E showed the higher level of IL-2 and the lower level of MCP-1, and C3. In conclusion, blood concentrations of triglycerides and proinflammatory cytokines, blood pressure, obesity parameters (BMI, body fat, triceps skinfold thickness) were higher in multiple group than in normal, but this result strongly suggest that the increasement of the vitamin A, C, and E intakes would modify the cytokine levels to reduce the inflammatory response in the elderly people with chronic diseases.

한국인에서 대사증후군의 선별검사로서 체성분 분석 및 체질량지수의 타당성연구 (Cutoff Values of Body Mass Index and Body Fat Measures for Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Population)

  • 이현재;김병권;김준연;김정만;유병철;김은정;홍영습
    • 생명과학회지
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    • 제20권1호
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    • pp.9-16
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    • 2010
  • 본 연구는 단면조사 연구로 건강검진 수진자 코호트 연구에 참여하는 전국의 10개 의료기관에서 수진한 40세에서 65세 사이의 성인 남녀 10,077명을 대상으로 수행하였다. 연구대상자들에 대해 설문조사, 신체계측, 임상검사 및 체성분 분석을 시행하였고, 대사증후군의 진단에서 ROC 곡선을 이용하여 각 남녀의 체중별 체질량지수와 체성분 분석 결과의 진단적 가치를 비교하였다. 남성 대상자의 대사증후군 진단은 체질량지수 $25.5\;kg/m^2$ 임계점에서 민감도 70.0%, 특이도 72.0%로 나타났으며 26.1%의 비만기준에서는 민감도 60.6%, 특이도 76.4%였다. 여성 대상자의 경우는 체질량지수 $24.1\;kg/m^2$ 기준으로 민감도 73.3%, 특이도 68.8%였고 31.5%의 비만기준에서는 민감도 76.7%, 특이도 65.6%로 나왔다. 본 연구를 통해 전체 남녀 연구대상자의 대사증후군 진단에서 체중 증가에 따른 체질량지수와 체성분 분석결과의 임계점이 증가하는 양상을 확인하였고, 한국의 일반적 비만기준과 유사한 결과를 보였다. 이러한 결과들은 대사증후군의 진단에서 체성분 분석 결과, 체질량지수의 성별, 체중별 진단적 가치 비교와 대사증후군의 진단에 따른 각각의 임계점은 대사증후군 선별검사의 임상적인 지표로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

성남지역 노인의 영양 및 건강상태 조사 I. 신체 계측 및 생화학적 영양상태 (Nutritional and Health Status of the Elderly Living in Songnam - I. Anthropometric Measurements and Biochemical Nutritional Status -)

  • 권종숙;이홍재
    • 한국식품영양학회지
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    • 제16권4호
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    • pp.310-320
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    • 2003
  • 본 조사는 성남지역 노인들을 대상으로 한 건강실태조사를 통해서 노인의 건강실태 및 문제점을 알아내고, 그 결과를 노인을 위한 건강증진 프로그램을 계획할 때 이용될 수 있도록 하기 위해서 성남시 관할 노인정의 노인을 대상으로 신체계측 조사, 체지방량조사, 성인병과 관련된 혈압 및 혈액검사를 실시하였다. 본 조사 결과는 다음과 같다. 1. 본 조사 대상자들의 평균 신장 및 체중은 이전의 연구 결과들에서 보고된 우리나라 남녀 노인들의 평균 신장 및 체중 측정치 범위였다. 2. 남자대상자들의 평균 체지방률이 27.7%, 여자 대상자들의 체지방률이 36.4%로서, 남녀 모두에서 비만 기준치보다 높게 나타났으며, 여자 대상자들의 비만도가 남자 대상자들에 비해 높았다. 3. 대상자들의 수축기 혈압 및 이완기 혈압의 평균은 각각 153.5mmHg와 86.7mmHg로써 평균 수축기 혈압은 고혈압 판정 기준치인 140mmHg보다 높았으며, 평균 이완기 혈압은 기준치인 90mm Hg보다 다소 낮았는데, 남녀간에 유의적인 차이는 보이지 않았다. 4. 대상자들의 식후 혈당치는 평균 119.9mg/㎗로서 남녀간의 차이는 보이지 않았고, 당뇨병진단시 기준인 식후 혈당치 140mg/㎗보다는 낮았다. 5. 대상자들의 혈청 GPT치의 평균은 남자가 19.4 unit, 여자가 18.2 unit로서 정상치인 32unit 이하에 해당되었고 남녀간 유의적인 차이를 나타내지 않았다. 6. 대상자들의 혈청 총 콜레스테롤 치의 평균은 남자가 186.0 mg/㎗, 여자가 206.6mg/㎗로서 두 집단의 평균치는 정상치에 해당되었고, 남녀 간에 유의적인 차이를 보여 여자가 남자보다 높은 혈청콜레스테롤 수치를 나타내었다. 7. 대상자들의 혈청 알부민 치의 평균은 남자와 여자에서 똑같이 4.8 g/㎗로서 정상치에 해당되었으며, 남녀간의 차이를 보이지 않았다. 8. 조사 대상자들의 체방률의 분포를 보면 남녀 모두에서 비만 기준치보다 높은 범위에서 빈도가 높게 나타났고, 수축기 혈압과 이완기 혈압의 분포는 고혈압 범위인 노인들이 각각 전체의 69% 와 39%로 나타났다. 혈당은 정상치에 해당되는 노인이 전체의 79%로 나타났고, 혈청 총콜레스테롤치는 정상치 이상의 노인들이 전체의 42% 를 차지하였는데, 여자들이 남자들에 비해 기준치보다 높은 혈청 콜레스테롤치를 나타낸 경우가 많았다. GPT는 전체의 92%에서 정상치보다 낮은 수치를 보였고, 혈청 알부민은 전체 대상자의 68%가 정상치에 해당하였다. 9. 연령은 신장, 체중, 이완기 혈압, 혈당, GTP 및 알부민과 음의 상관관계를 나타냈고, 체중 은 신장, 체지방량, 수축기 및 이완기 혈압, 혈당, GTP및 알부민과 양의 상관관계를 나타내었다. 신장은 체지방량 및 혈청 콜레스테롤과는 음의 상관관계를, 이완기 혈압과는 양의 상관관계를 나타냈다. 수축기 혈압은 이완기 혈압과 혈당수치와 양의 상관관계를 나타내었고, 혈당은 GTP와 양의 상관관계를, 혈청 콜레스테롤은 알부민과 양의 상관관계를 나타내었다. 본 연구 결과에서 노인 대상자들의 체지방량 및 수축기혈압의 평균은 기준치보다 높았고 혈당, GPT,혈청 총 콜레스테롤, 혈청 알부민 농도의 평균은 정상치에 해당되었다. 그러나 체지방량, 혈청 총 콜레스테롤 및 GTP 농도에서는 조사대상자의 개인별 차이는 물론이고, 성별 및 연령대별로 차이가 나타났고, 각 측정치간에 상호관계가 존재하였음이 나타났음을 고려해볼 때, 지역사회 노인의 성별, 연령별 특성에 맞는 노인 건강관리 프로그램의 개발 및 실시가 요구되었다. 이를 위해 각 지역의 관청이나 보건소 등이 중심이 되어 지역 특성에 맞는 영양교육과 건강 및 급식관리를 포함한 노인복지프로그램을 개발하여 실시함으로써 우리나라 노인의 건강 및 영양상태를 향상시킬 수 있으리라 사료된다.

후향적 연구방법에 의한 초등학교 아동의 비만이행 추이에 대한 고찰 (A Retrospective Study on the Prevalence of Obesity in Elementary School Children)

  • 강영림
    • 대한영양사협회학술지
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    • 제2권2호
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    • pp.168-180
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    • 1996
  • This study was accomplished to investigate the prevalence of obesity among the 229 elementary school children(boys; 115 persons, girls; 114 persons) during 4 years by retrospective study. The results were as follows; 1. The mean height and weight of 229 subjects were 143.2cm(boys;143.4cm, girls; 142.7cm), 38.8kg(boys;40.4kg, girls;36.9kg), respectively. And other anthropometric body index such as the mean BMI, Rohrer Index, WLI and Obesity Index of subjects were 18.8(boys;19.5, girls; 18.0), 1.31(boys;1.36, girls; 1.26), 115.5(boys;121.4, girls; 108.9) and 110.6(boys;114.5, girls; 106.7), respectively. 2. The mean percentile values of height and weight of subjects were higher than the '85 Korean Children's Growth Standard, respectively. In the case of boys, the 75th percentile value of weights was larger than that's 97th's. And in the case of girls, the 75th percentile value of weights was equalled to the that's 90th's. 3. When the subjects were classified into 4 groups such as obese, overweight, normal, and lean groups according to Obesity Index, their percentages were 28.8%(boys; 38.3%, girls; 19.3%), ll.8%(boys; 9.6%, girls; 14.0%), 50.7%(boys; 47.0%, girls; 54.4%) and 8.7%(boys; 5.2%, girls; 12.3%), respectively. And only I person(3.3%) is classified into normal group and 2 persons(6.7%) are classified into overweight group when they become 5 grade among 30 persons(13.1%) who were classified into obese group when they were I grade. 4. Changes in percentage of subjects differentiated by 3 indices during 4 years(from I grade to 5 grade) were as follows; In the case of BMI were 5.2%, 5.2%, 11.8%, 21.0%, 27.5%. In the case of Roher index were 13.1%, 11.8%, 14.4%, 14.8%, 17.8%. And in the case of WLI were 15.7%, 21.6%, 29.5%, 32.2%, 36.7%. 5. There was no significant difference among 4 groups on the skip rate of breakfast(obese;48.5%, overweight;55. mean meal time of subjects took about 10 minutes which was short, and the eating rate of obese group was significantly shorter than that of other groups(p<0.05). There was a tendency that the rate of the obese or overweight group eating together in breakfast and dinner was lower than that of normal or lean group. The mean T.V. watching time and the rate of eating out of subjects were 1-2 hours/day and 1 or 2 times/week. In conclusion, the subjects have been grown remarkably compared to the '85 Korean Children's Growth Standard, especially boy's weight. In order to the elementary school children to be grew as healthful citizen they should recognize the importance of meals of everyday, the balanced meals, and desirable eating habits. In addition to these, we should educate the ways of meal-life to them. We also are in need to develope the methods of education for the students themselves and their parents so that could prevent the increase rate of obesity.

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비만여성에서 저열량식사와 체중감량제 섭취에 의한 체중 및 체지방 감소 효과 (The Effects of Low Calorie Meal and Weight Control Preparation on the Reduction of Body Weight and Visceral Fat in Obese Females)

  • 박선미;한대석;김동우;이선영
    • 한국식품영양과학회지
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    • 제33권9호
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    • pp.1492-1500
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    • 2004
  • 저열량 처방을 위한 식사대체제와 식이섬유ㆍ탄수화물 가수분해 억제제ㆍHCA를 주 성분으로 하는 체중감량제의 섭취 효과를 판정하기 위하여 20대∼50대의 BMI 25이상의 여성 자원자를 모집하여 9주간 시험을 실시하였다. 시험기간 동안 1일 1끼 식사는 식사대체제로 대치하고 1일 2회 체중감량제를 섭취하게 한 후 신체계측과 체조성, 배변 상황, 식이섭취 실태, 자각 증상 등의 변화를 조사하여 효과를 판정하였다. 시험 결과는 9주 동안 지속적으로 체중과 체지방, BMI, 허리 및 엉덩이 둘레가 감소한 것으로 나타났으며 체중감소율은 영양학적으로 안전한 범위에 속해 있었다. 혈청 지질에는 유의적인 변화가 없었으며 혈당과 인슐린이나 C-peptide 함량에도 유의적인 차이는 없었으며 BUN이나 ALP는 감소하였고 헤모글로빈은 유의적으로 증가하였으나 모두 정상범위에 있었다. 배변 시간은 단축되었으며 건강에 대한 부정적인 자각증상도 감소되었다. 1일 섭취 열량은 1300 kcal 정도로 유지되었으며 비타민 A, 비타민 $B_2$, 엽산, 칼슘, 철, 아연등의 섭취량은 권장량의 80% 미만으로 나타났다. 그러므로 본 연구의 저열량식사와 체중감량제의 섭취는 체중 및 체지방 감소와 배변에 효과적이었으며 부정수소를 감소시킬 수 있었다.

비만관련 습관 및 비만도 변화에 영향을 미치는 관련요인 분석 (The Associated Factors with Obesity-related Habits and Obesity index Change)

  • 길미경
    • 한국학교보건학회지
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    • 제12권1호
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    • pp.27-44
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    • 1999
  • Obesity in children is a major concern of public health. This study was performed to illuminate its effect on weight control program and the associated factors of obesity-related habits and obesity index in primary school obese children. Weight control program consisted of behavioral modification, nutrition education and exercise during 17 weeks. The sample consisted of treatment group(n=42) and control group(n=41). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in obesity index, socioeconomic status and grade. To assess the effects of weight control program, the subjects were given pre-test and post-test such as the measurement of anthropometric values and self-reporting questionnaire. This result of this study were as follows; 1. After weight control program was applied, there was a significant decrease in obesity index among the treatment group. Obesity-related habits score of the treatment group increased significantly, While there was not much difference between the pre-test and the post-test among the control group. But exercise habit didn't increase significantly in the both groups. 2. Correlation between obesity-related habits and obesity index were not evident. 3. After application of weight control program, the factors associated with change of eating habit were children's past experience of weight control, motivational change toward weight control program and friends' support for treatment group. The factors associated with change of exercise habit were post-test motivation score and friends' support. Motivational change toward weight control and pre-test self-efficacy of exercise behavior were counter-related to exercise habit. For change of other obesity-related habits, initial obesity index, motivational change, post-test self-efficacy score of exercise behavior and paternal educational status were closely associated. But post-test self-efficacy score of eating behavior was unrelated. 4. Only the factor of experience of weight control was associated with change of obesity index. 5. For the both groups, the factors associated with change of eating habits were post-test self-efficacy of eating behavior and family's support. The factors associated with change of exercise behavior were self-efficacy changes of exercise behavior and friends' support. The factors associated with change of other obesity-related habits were self-efficacy change of eating behavior. Initial obesity index was associated with change of obesity index. 6. The rate of dropouts from weight control program was 28.6% (12/42) in treatment group. Initial obesity index, other obesity-related habits except eating exercise habits, friend's support were associated with dropout. In conclusion, these results indicated that weight control program in primary school settings was effective. Direct exercise regimen and practice was demanded. In addition to the program itself, much of the success is dependent on the degree of motivation of the children involved and support provided by their parents and friends. Further study need to be performed under the condition that the weight control progrom is applied for a longer period.

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과체중 여성에서 L-carnitine과 Isoflavone 보충 섭취가 체중 및 내장지방 감소에 미치는 영향 (The Effect of L-Carnitine and Isoflavone Supplementation on Weight Reduction and Visceral Fat Accumulation in Overweight Women)

  • 곽정현;이종호;이상준;박현우;김유;현예정
    • Journal of Nutrition and Health
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    • 제40권7호
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    • pp.630-638
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    • 2007
  • This study was performed to examine the combined effects of L-carnitine and isoflavone supplementation on weight reduction and body fat distribution in overweight women. Overweight/obese women (body mass index > $23kg/m^2$) who were not diagnosed any type of diseases were included in this study and sixty subjects ($41.1{\pm}1.5$ years, $25.9{\pm}0.3kg/m^2)$ were randomly assigned to a placebo (n=30) or a supplement group (n=30, L-carnitine 300 mg+isoflavone 40 mg/day). We measured anthropometric parameters, abdominal fat distribution by computerizd tomography and blood components before and after the 12 week intervention period. After the 12 weeks of supplementation, subjects in L-carnitine and isoflavone supplement group showed a significant reduction of body weight (p < 0.001), body fat % (p < 0.05), and waist to hip ratio (p < 0.01) whereas placebo group did not show any changes. In a CT-scanned results, total fat area at L4 level was significantly reduced by 8.1% (p < 0.01) with the reduction of visceral fat area (-11.1%, p < 0.001) and subcutaneous fat area (-7.0%, p < 0.05) in the supplement group. The supplementation of L-carnitine and isoflavone showed the significant improvement of HDL-C (p < 0.01) and apoB (p < 0.05) concentrations, however, change values in those markers were not significant compared with those of the placebo group. In addition, a significant increase of adiponectin level (p<0.001) was observed in the supplement group after the intervention. The result of present study demonstrated that supplementation of 300 mg L-carnitine and 40 mg isoflavone per day fur 12 weeks can give beneficial effects on weight reduction and visceral fat accumulation. These potential antiobesity supplement can produce more favorable effects when combined with lifestyle modification.

미숙아의 초기 영양섭취 및 성장상태에 관한 연구 (Nutritional and Growth Status of Premature Infants During Neonatal Period)

  • 최봉순
    • Journal of Nutrition and Health
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    • 제23권2호
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    • pp.124-134
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    • 1990
  • 본 연구는 미숙아들의 영양공급 및 성장상태를 조사하기 위하여 출생시 체중이 2500g이하이며 在胎期間이 37주 미만인 신생아중 20일이상 입원한 미숙아를 대상으로 그들의 역학적 조사, 영양 섭취량과 공급 방식, 체위의 변화, 혈액학적 검사등을 비교 분석한 그 결과는 다음과 같다. 1) 출생체중별 在胎期間과 apgar score를 보면 1499g이하 미숙아군은 31주, 4/7(1min/5min)이며 1500~1999g, 2000~2500g 미숙아군은 각각 33주, 8/9(1min/5min)이었다. 2) 미숙아들의 체중별 1일 kg당 열량과 수분 섭취량을 평균적으로 보면 1499g 이하 미숙아군은 102.0Kcal, 150.2ml이며 1500~1999g 미숙아군은 119.3Kcal, 136.4ml이며 2000~2500g 미숙아군은 101.7Kcal, 141.5ml이었다. 3) 1999g이하 미숙아군의 영양 공급 빈도 중 dextrose와 dextrose/hyperal 공급시일 즉 관주입법으로 공급한 시일을 평균적으로 보면 1499g이하 미숙아군은 7.7일이여 1500~1999g 미숙아군은 3.8일이었다. dextrose/formula와 dextrose/hyperal/formula공급시일은 1499g이하 미숙아군은 평균 14.2일, 1500~1999g 미숙아군은 10.9일이었다. 4) 미숙아들의 초기 체중 감소율을 보면 1499g이하 미숙아군은 5.4%, 1500~1999g 미숙아군은 6.4%, 2000~2500g 미숙아군은 11.4%로 출생체중이 높은 미숙아군의 감소율이 높게 나타났다. 5) 혈액학적 검사시 1499g 이하 미숙아군의 10일째 Hb은 12.1g/dl, Hct은 36.7%, MCHC는 33.2%이며 1500~1999g 미숙아군의 수치는 15.4g/dl, 46.7%, 33.8%이며 2000~2500g 미숙아군은 14.3g/dl, 42.5%, 351.1%로 조사기간중 20일째까지 Hb과 Hct수치는 점차 감소하였다. 6) Amino acid 투여의 영향을 보면 amino acid투여군의 초기 체중 감소율이 9.0%로 amino acid투여 안한군(9.4%)보다 단백질과 열량을 적게 섭취하였음에도 초기 체중 감소율의 유의적 차이는 없었다.

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전주지역 중, 노년층의 생활습관과 건강상태 조사(II) (A Study of Health-related Habits, Dietary Behaviors and the Health Status of the Middle-aged and the Elderly Living in the Chonju Area (II))

  • 이미숙;우미경
    • 대한지역사회영양학회지
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    • 제7권6호
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    • pp.749-761
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    • 2002
  • This study investigated the anthropometric and biochemical indices, and the health and nutritional factors influencing the two indices among 194 middle-aged and elderly subjects (108 middle-aged and 86 elderly) residing in a medium sized city for more than 10 years. In the examination of their dietary habits, 8.3% of the middle-aged subjects and 14.0% of the elderly subjects had two meals a day, and more female subjects had two meals per day. Of the subjects who ate meals at regular times, 75.0% were middle-aged and 79.1% were elderly, and the degree of irregularity of meals was greater for female subjects. The study of the dietary behavior of the subjects indicated that 71.3% and 66.3% of the middle-aged and elderly, respectively responded that the amount of food in each meal was sufficient. The subjects ate alone comprised 19.7% of the middle-aged females and 31.5% of the elderly females. The prevalence of smoking among the subjects was 28.1% for the middle-aged, 18.8% for the elderly male and 7.4% for the elderly females. The percentage of the subjects who drank alcohol was 34.4% of the middle-aged males and 13.2% of the middle-aged females. Slightly less than half of the subjects exercised more than once a week, with the male subjects showing a higher rate than the female subjects. The average body mass indices (BMI) were 24.5 and 24.6 for the middle-aged male and female, respectively, and 22.6 and 24.0 for the elderly male and female, respectively. BMI assessment showed that underweight subjects (BMI < 20) comprised 3.7% of the middle-aged, 14.0% of the elderly, and that 40.7% of the middle-aged and 24.4% of the elderly were overweight (25 < BMI < 30) , and 0.9% of the middle-aged and 1.2% of the elderly were classified as obese (BMI $\geq$ 30) . A waist/hip ratio (WHR) greater than 0.8 was found in 89.5% of the middle-aged females and 90.7% of the elderly females, showing high abdominal fat deposition in the majority of females. The average systolic blood pressure of females was 121.1 $\pm$ 17.1 mmHg for the middle-aged and 129.6 $\pm$ 21.3 mmHg for the elderly subjects. The systolic blood pressures showed a significantly difference between the two age groups. Those defined as anemic subjects based on hemoglobin values comprised 13.0% of the middled-aged group and 16.3% of the elderly group. There was a tendency for higher fasting glucose levels among the elderly subjects. An increase in total plasma cholesterol levels with age was shown. The female subjects had higher cholesterol levels than the males'The study of the correlation between the daily habits and health status showed that the amount of food eaten at each meal, the frequency of eating out, and the use of dietary supplements appeared to influence BMI, WHR, the plasma triglyceride and plasma cholesterol levels; omitting one meal had a positive correlation with the systolic blood pressure and plasma cholesterol. These results suggest that desirable dietary habits and concerns for health are contributing factors for maintaining good health, as indicated by normal blood lipid levels.