• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.51-60
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• 2024

Obesity and overweight pose a significant public health problem, as they are associated with an elevated risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Several studies have shown that diet quality is associated with the development of MetS risk factors. Analyzing dietary patterns may be more helpful in determining the relationship between eating habits and chronic diseases compared to focusing on single foods or nutrients. In this study, our objective was to evaluate the association of food quality score (FQS) with risk factors for MetS in individuals with obesity and overweight. The participants in this cross-sectional study were 340 adults with overweight and obesity. Participants' food intake was measured using a Food Frequency Questionnaire, then the FQS was calculated. A fasting blood sample assessed serum glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and serum insulin levels. Fat-free mass, height, basal metabolic rate, socio-economic score, and waist-to-hip ratio significantly differed among FQS tertiles. TC, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose were significantly lower in the highest tertile of FQS. After multivariable adjustment, our results showed that individuals in the third tertile of FQS had reduced risk of higher levels of TC (odds ratio [OR], 0.982; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.970-0.984) and higher levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR, 0.974; 95% CI, 0.974-0.999). Our findings demonstrate an inverse relationship between diet quality, as measured by FQS, and MetS risk factors. However, further experimental and longitudinal investigations are warranted to elucidate the causal nature of this association.

• The Korean Journal of Community Living Science
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.283-295
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• 2008

The slimness favored trend made students shape up body image by weight control using restrained eating. Many students especially female ones tend to be in eating disorder status. The aim of this study was to find the relation between weight, eating habits and dietary self efficacy in the selected middle school girl students group with high risk eating disorder (7.9%) and the one with low risk eating disorder (24.1%). This study was conducted by EAT-26 questionnaire method and all the data was analyzed by SAS (Statistical Analysis System) program. The results were as follows; The physical condition of eating disorder students (159.5cm height, 50.7kg weight and 97.4% PIBW) was higher and bigger than that of normal students(158.2 cm, 47.2 kg, and 92.6% PIBW). Weight control experience in the high risk group (69.4%) was significantly more frequent than normal group (p<0.001). The gap between actual body weight and desired weight was higher in high risk eating disorder group than in normal group (p<0.001). Dietary self-efficacy score of middle school female students in the high risk eating disorder group was high when they were in temper, in confusion, and after argument. However, when they were in cooking (p<0.01), with friends (p<0.05), in assembling dishes (p<0.01), and with family (p<0.05) the dietary self-efficacy score of high risk group was lower than that of normal group. In the high risk eating disorder group, eating speed was often faster (p<0.05) and overeating rate (p<0.01) was higher than in normal group. In general, EAT-26 score was correlated positively with gap weight, but negatively correlated with dietary self efficacy score(p<0.01). Gap weight and dietary self efficacy were significantly different in normal group. however, there was no relation in high risk eating disorder group. Under the circumstance of high risk eating disorder, as weight and dietary self efficacy did not affect the relation with eating disorder score, when it is determined as eating disorder some other factors besides weight and diet self efficacy seem to affect the eating disorder score. In conclusion, the factors related with eating disorder were gap weight and some items of dietary self efficacy. Thus, correct understanding of healthy weight and dietary self efficacy enhancement require the development of nutrition education contents and the practice of nutrition education.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.318-323
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• 2007

The feeding habits of Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) were studied based on the examination of stomach contents of 192 specimens collected from November, 2005 to January, 2006 in the coastal waters off Gadeok-do, Korea. The size of Pacific cod ranged from 35 to 82 cm in standard length (SL). Pacific cod mainly consumed shrimps such as Eualus spathulirostris, Crogon hakodatei and C. affinis and fishes. Its diet also included small quantities of cephalopods, amphipods, hermit crabs and crabs. Individuals between 35 cm and 45 cm SL mainly consumed shrimps. The portion of shrimps decreased with increasing fish size, and this decrease was paralleled with increased consumption of fishes and cephalopods. In this study we found Syngnathus schlegeli in the stomach contents of many Pacific cod specimens. S. schlegeli is a typical seagrass fish species which inhabits in seagrass beds, This fact means that Pacific cods stay in the seagrass beds during spawning period. Therefore migration of Pacific cod to coastal waters off Gadeok-do during spawning period seems to be a survival strategy for its larvae and small juveniles to stay in seagrass beds which provide with abundant foods and shelters to many commercial fish species.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.426-439
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate the awareness and practice on well-being life and well-being related behaviors, and the various factors affecting well-being related behaviors such as purchasing food materials, food habits, eating out and daily routine activities. A survey was conducted by questionnaire and on a 5-point Likert scale. The subjects of this study were composed of 221 students and their 102 parents who were over 40 years residing in the Ulsan area. The results of this study are summarized as follows: Almost half of the subjects (47.4%) responded that they have good health conditions; to keep a good health condition, 41.2% of the subjects were exercising regularly and 20.4% of them kept diet control. In regard to the meaning of well-being, 66.6% of the subjects thought it is the lifestyle for physical and mental richness (children: 70.6%, parents: 57.8%). 30.3% of the subjects answered that the most important part of well-being was food related. The importance order was mental richness, food related things, physical health for children, and for the parents, it was food related things, physical health, mental richness. Most of population (45.8%) answered that they have a willingness for the pursuit of a well-being life. Among the well-being related behaviors, 69.7% of subjects have purchased items (children: 61.5%, parents: 87.3%). 37.2% of the subjects have acquired information from TV. The average well-being practice score was $61.01{\pm}10.36$. Children's scores were significantly lower than the parent's scores (p < 0.001). And the average practice score of 'purchasing food materials,' 'eating out,' 'food habits,' 'daily routine activities' were $15.3{\pm}3.3,\;15.5{\pm}3.1,\;16.8{\pm}3.3$ and $13.4{\pm}3.5$, respectively. Among five types of purchasing food materials, 'purchasing domestic agricultural food' was greatest ($3.64{\pm}0.91$) and 'purchasing of organic or low agricultural chemical food products' was lowest ($3.15{\pm}0.91$). In regard to food habits, 'eating rice and bread made of mixed grains' was greatest ($3.46{\pm}1.12$) and 'eating uncooked food or zen food' was lowest ($2.46{\pm}0.99$). The practice scores were significantly affected by gender (p < 0.05), monthly income (p < 0.01), educational level (p < 0.01), presence of disease (p < 0.05), subjective health condition (p < 0.05), well-being awareness (p < 0.001) and concern with well-being (p < 0.001). Well-being awareness scores and well-being practice scores are related positively. Therefore various programs in well-being education should be necessary in order to boost the authentic perceptions of well-being and well-being oriented behaviors in any socioeconomic situation, such as different generations; industrial companies producing well-being goods for consumer's needs and satisfaction; and government and local community create various conditions for well-being oriented behavior.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.167-179
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• 2009

This study aims at examining perception of body weight control and lifestyles and food habits of under-weight, normal-weight and over-weight female college students. The data analysis were conducted by a body fat analyzer and questionnaires. The subjects were 368 female college students divided into three groups: the under-weight(UW), the normal-weight(NW), and the over-weight(OW), according to the guidelines of the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity(2000). Among the subjects, 18.2% were under-weight, 63.6% normal-weight, and 18.2% over-weight. Mean of body weights were 45.4kg, 53.3kg, and 63.7kg, and BMIs were $17.5kg/m^2$, $20.5kg/m^2$ and $24.6kg/m^2$ in the UW, NW, and OW groups, respectively. 'Self assessment of body weight' was significant at the level of p<0.001 according to the Obesity Index. Of the UW group, 41.8% considered their weight to be normal and 4.5% believed they are over-weight. In the NW group, 43.2% thought they are over-weight, 1.5% believed they are under-weight. 57.1 % of the UW group and 98.6% of the NW group had ever tried to reduce their weight. Their 'exercise frequency and exercise time' were not significant by the 01. 'Regularity in the daily life' of the subjects was significant at the level of p<0.05. 43.3 % of the OW group answered that they don't live regular daily lives. 'Sleeping time' of the subjects was significant at the level of p<0.05 by the 01. 41.8% of the OW group reported that they sleep 'between 7 and 8 hours a day' which was the highest rate among the three groups. 'Frequency of meals per day' was not significant by the OI. 'The speed of eating meals' was significant at p<0.01, 23.9% of the UW group, 31.2% of NW group, and 38.8% of OW group reported that they have meals 'in a very fast speed'. Concludingly, most of female college students conceive themselves as having inappropriate body image, which means that they need to be given additional education about nutrition and diet.

• Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.105-111
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• 2003

Balanced intake of appropriate nutrients is the key to sustaining and promoting health as well as preventing and treating diseases. It is not always easy, however, to take balanced nutrition and various related factors must be taken into consideration. This report provides a summary of studies that have examined the nutrient intakes of Japanese middle-aged men and the relationship of this intake to drinking, job-related separation from families, and health practices. The alcohol consumption of Japanese middle-aged men has more than tripled in the last forty years. When nutrient intake was examined in relation to alcohol consumption, it was discovered that the maximum acceptable alcohol consumption was approximately 23 grams (about two drinks) of pure alcohol, provided the level of nutrient intake for drinkers was equal to that of non-drinkers. The alcohol energy ratio was approximately 5％. It was also discovered that middle-aged men's eating habits deteriorate when they relocate to new posts without their families and live by themselves. Compared to those living with their families, a higher proportion of those living alone have unfavorable eating habits including skipping breakfast or lunch, having a late lunch, and eating and drinking after dinner until bedtime. When Breslow's seven health practices, nutrient intake, and consumption weight by food group were examined, it was discovered that the group that had many beneficial eating and living habits consumed plenty of legume, pulses, fruit, green yellow vegetables and milk products. Their intake of vitamins and minerals was high and the results of a physical examination proved to be excellent. According to nutrition surveys conducted in Japan, China, the United Kingdom and the United States using a 24-hour recall method with common protocols and strict controls to ensure high levels of accuracy and cross-study validity, the Japanese had the highest cholesterol intake and the lowest dietary fiber intake among the four countries. Also, the alcohol energy ratio of the Japanese exceeded 8％, the highest among the four countries, while their intake of magnesium and iron was the lowest These results indicate that it is necessary to enhance nutritional education for middle-aged men and to reinforce the social environments in which they live and work in order to promote proper diet and nutrition in Japan. (J Community Nutrition 5(2) : 105-111, 2003)

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.287-298
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• 2018

This study, a second analysis research using raw data of the 6th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(2013-015), places its purpose on examining risk factors for the mental health of the youth. With its target on 3,712 people in their twenties and thirties, it has used complex sample cross analysis to figure out the relationship between their mental health and eating habits. Also, it has carried out multiple logistic regression analysis for the purpose of grasping the youth's mental health risk factors. Under the circumstances, controlling the subjects' individual characteristics, the study has shown that males with their breakfast and dinner partners have lower possibilities of depression and suicidal thoughts. Meanwhile, in the case of females, their breakfast and lunch partners have played a key role in lowering their stress and suicidal thoughts. Given these results, the government will have to make all-out efforts to upgrade public places and spaces for the youth to eat together. All this will lead to their healthy eating habits and positive mental health. More specifically, it will have to create variable programs necessary for educating them to manage their diet and enjoy eating with other people.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.409-415
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• 2009

This study was conducted to determine how well middle school students in the Ulsan area recognize trans fat and the amount of these compounds that they consume in their daily life. Students who recognized trans fat well could also identify trans fat contents on the nutrition label. However, recognition of trans fat was not associated with its intake. Students who thought it was necessary to learn about trans fat in school showed a tendency to consume less trans fat or to make more efforts to reduce its intake. Additionally, a preference for snacks had a significant influence on recognition and intake of trans fat. The overall, the following conclusions could be drawn from this study: 1) It is necessary for continuous efforts to teach students how to take snacks correctly and help them form good dietary habits both at home and school. 2) Both development of basic educational materials and the systematic education about trans fat at home and school are urgently needed to instill good dietary habits regarding trans fat. 3) It is highly recommended that the school meal service should take students' preferences into consideration and provide them with good nutrition and a balanced diet, and efforts should be made to contribute to the formation of good dietary habits.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.241-255
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• 2020

This study examined the eating habits and preferences of foods according to the age of children with autism spectrum disorders and identified the nutritional needs of parents to support their healthy eating habits and provide basic data for the development of educational programs. A survey of 100 parents of children with autism spectrum disorders was conducted on their children's snack intake, food preferences, and parents' nutrition education needs. As a result, there were four times more boys than girls, and the body mass index differed according to age (p<0.001). Most children ate snacks more than once a day, and parents found that they wanted to develop nutritious snacks that could replace high-protein, low-calorie meals with the minimal use of additives. For the food preference, there was a significant difference in grains and starches, vegetables/seafood and fruits, milk and dairy products (p<0.05), fats and sugars, and Korean fermented pastes (p<0.01) between the two age groups. Regarding whether nutrition education was required, many parents had a high demand for nutrition education (4.24±0.70), and the intention to participate was 3.62±1.09. The most important content to be dealt with in parent education was 'Inducing a change in bad eating habits and behaviors', which was the highest (63%), and mostly face-to-face education was preferred. In conclusion, young children require diet education, and older children need to focus on weight control and obesity.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.483-494
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• 2009

In order to give basic data to teenager's healthcare, we investigated the food habits according to BMI (Body Mass Index), life style, dietary related self-efficacy and food intake through conducting a research surveying 732 middle school students of the Kwang-ju and Chonnam areas. The results of this study were compared groups in under weight (UW), normal weight (NW), and overweight (OW) groups according to BMI levels. In the male students, height was significantly differently in the UW group as $158.2\pm0.7$ cm compared to other NW and OW groups respectively as $163.7\pm0.6$ cm and $162.6\pm0.7$ cm but in the female students there was no significantly difference within groups. Weight was significantly different between the groups in the male students, whereas there were minor differences in the female students. The average of BMI was $20.7\pm0.1$ on the male students and $20.6\pm0.1$ on the female students which were all within the average, and their obesity was increased as the school grade was higher. Under less than 30,000 won of pocket money was dominating, and most of the students were in a nuclear family. In all male and female students, the inactive hours like watching TV and using computers had no differences between groups. The difference between groups was minor on breakfast time and most of the students thought their problems on unbalanced diet. There was significant difference in the OW group in female students as they thought their problems on unbalanced diets. The frequency of snack was significantly low in the OW group of male students but there were no differences in snack and eating-out food. All students chose fruits as snack food and Korean-style food as eating out food. The OW group in male students were significantly low in the dietary related self-efficacy when they were with their families and feeling depressed but there were no differences in female students between groups. When all students were getting higher BMI, they evaluated themselves badly in their self-dietary habits. Also the more male students had non-physical activity time, the less they had the dietary related self-efficacy and the more female students had physical activity time, the higher they had the dietary related self-efficacy. In conclusion, the OW group had good habits in physical activities for weekends, meal times, frequency of snack consumption but it showed undesirable when they were low in dietary related self-efficacy. Therefore we will provide the systematic nutrition education to them through this study.