• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.30 no.8
• /
• pp.1009-1017
• /
• 1997

This study was designed to assess the iron nutritional status and growth development of children provided with and without the national school -lunch program(NLSP). The subjects consisted of 590 elementary school children (313 boys, 277 girls) in the 2nd, 4th and 6th grades provided with (n=390) and without (n=200) NSLP. anthropometric measurements were taken for body weight, height, triceps skinfold thickness and body fat percentage. Nutrient intakes were assessed by a modified 24 -hour recall method. Fastinig blood samples were obtained and analyzed for hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, serum iron and total iron binding capacity. The results obtained are summarized as follows. No significant differences between children provided with and without NSLP were found in height and body weight, but triceps skinfold thickness and body fat(%) were significantly higher in children without NSLP than in those with NSLP. There was no significant difference in hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit between children provided with and without NSLP. However, serum iron concentration and transferrin saturation were higher in the children provided with NSLP(81.9$\mu\textrm{g}$/dl and 22.8%) than in the children without NSLP(73.1$\mu\textrm{g}$/dl and 20.9%). When comparing iron and vitamin C intakes , iron intake was significantly higher in children provided with school-lunch, but vitamin C intake was significantly higher in children provided without school-lunch. Percentages of iron -deficient anemia in underweight, normal and obese children when judged by total iron binding capacity were 14.9%, 12.5% and 25.8% respectively.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.3-13
• /
• 2006

The purpose of this study is to estimate the nutrient intakes and food habits among preschool children in Kyungjoo city. The subjects were 210 preschool children, aged 4 - 6 years. Measurements of the weight, height, chest circumference, and head circumference of the children were conducted. And general home environment and factors related to eating habits for preschool children were collected using a questionnaire that included information about family income, parents' education and occupations. The average weight-length index (WLI) for the subjects was $103.9\%$. Using the WLI, $20.0\%$ of the preschool children were underweight, $48.6\%$ were normal, $19.0\%$ were overweight, and $12.3\%$ were obese. On the R$\ddot{o}$hrer index, $13.8\%$ of the preschool children were underweight, $38.5\%$ were normal, and $47.7\%$ were over weight or obese. The average daily intake ($\%$ of RDA) of energy and each nutrient was 1323.5 kcal ($81.3\%$), Ca 484.3 mg ($80.7\%$), Fe 7.05 mg ($88.1\%$), vitamin A 420.0 RE ($105\%$), vitamin $B_{2}$ 0.76 mg ($95.0\%$), vitamin $B_{2}$ 0.87 mg ($87.0\%$), and vitamin C 53.1 mg ($106.2\%$) , respectively. In particular, older subjects had lower intake in RDA $%$ of calcium and iron. The energy intake ratio from snacks was much higher than the recommended level of the preschool children. With regard to frequency of regularity of breakfast, $1.9\%$ of preschool children skipped every morning and $7.6\%$ of the children skipped more than 5 per week. With regard to the intake frequency of vegetables, fruits, complex carbohydrates, and milk, $13.3\%$, $19.9\%$, $22.8\%$, and $41.8\%$ of the children ate more than 5 times per week. The eating habit score was positively correlated (r = 0.18, P < 0.05) with household income. This study suggests that nutrition education to increase fruit and vegetable consumption for preschool children should be emphasized. Also a nutrition education program is needed to enhance consuming calcium and iron intake for adequate growth.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
• /
• v.24 no.5
• /
• pp.455-469
• /
• 2021

Purpose: The rs641738 C>T in membrane-bound O-acyltransferase domain-containing protein 7 (MBOAT7) is implicated, along with the rs738409 C>G polymorphism in patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3), in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The association of these polymorphisms and NAFLD are investigated in Hispanic children with obesity. Methods: Obese children with and without NAFLD were enrolled at a pediatric tertiary care health system and genotyped for MBOAT7 rs641738 C>T and PNPLA3 rs738409 C>G. NAFLD was characterized by the ultrasonographic presence of hepatic steatosis along with persistently elevated liver enzymes. Genetic variants and demographic and biochemical data were analyzed for the effects on NAFLD. Results: Among 126 enrolled subjects, 84 in the case group had NAFLD and 42 in the control group did not. The two groups had similar demographic distribution. NAFLD was associated with abnormal liver enzymes and elevated triglycerides and cholesterol (p<0.05). Children with NAFLD had higher percentage of PNPLA3 GG genotype at 70.2% versus 31.0% in non-NAFLD, and lower MBOAT7 TT genotype at 4.8% versus 16.7% in non-NAFLD (p<0.05). PNPLA3 rs738409 C>G had an additive effect in NAFLD; however, MBOAT7 rs641738 C>T had no effects alone or synergistically with PNPLA3 polymorphism. NAFLD risk increased 3.7-fold in subjects carrying PNPLA3 GG genotype and decreased in MBOAT7 TT genotype. Conclusion: In Hispanic children with obesity, PNPLA3 rs738409 C>G polymorphism increased the risk for NAFLD. The role of MBOAT7 rs641738 variant in NAFLD is less evident.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.51 no.6
• /
• pp.564-568
• /
• 2008

The prevalence of obesity in Korean children is estimated to be around 10%, and has increased significantly over the past 20 years. Metabolic syndrome, which includes central obesity, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, is a well documented risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, but there is no general consensus concerning its definition for children. In this study, ablut 30-40% of overweight or obese children had metabolic syndrome compared to less than 10% in the general population. Dyslipidemia was the most common component and hyperglycemia was the least common component of metabolic syndrome. If the prevalence of childhood obesity continues to increase, it is highly likely that the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome will also increase. These findings emphasize the importance of preventing obesity in addition to the diagnosis and management of metabolic syndrome in Korean adolescents.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
• /
• v.19 no.2
• /
• pp.153-160
• /
• 2006

This study investigated the food habits of the elementary school children according to obesity index. The subjects included 1,307 elementary school children classified into four groups according to their individual obesity indices: underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. The distribution of subjects by BMI was 51.5% underweight, 32.9% normal weight, 7.3% overweight, and 8.3% obese. Of these children, 62.6% ate breakfast everyday, and common weight control methods were exercise and diet. Lack of appetite was the most common reason for skipping breakfast(75.3%). Most students(74.7%) had Korean traditional cooked rice and side dishes for breakfast, and 69.6% of students responded that their meal speed was $10{\sim}30$ minutes. In conclusion, the food habits influencing obesity were eating speed, snack intake after dinner, and the number of snacks, while the size of meals did not influence obesity.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
• /
• v.12 no.4
• /
• pp.487-493
• /
• 2010

The objectives of this study were to investigate the progress of obesity in women from childhood to adulthood and to analyze the characteristics of obese figures through comparing their body proportions to normal-weight people, to provide a basic reference for development of new size categories and improved pattern grading. Body measurement was made on 6,704 women age between 7-39 in Sizekorea 2004 database. The age range was divided into three groups: children(7-12), teenagers(13-18) and adults(19-39). The result of research into the characteristics of body proportions of obese figures and the classification of different figure groups of obese people are as follows: The ratio between width and circumference for each part of the body was investigated according to body weight which was grouped into three different weights of low, normal and obese body weights. And the result demonstrated that in all the ranges of age, the obese groups had the lowest ratio between width and circumference, having a thick body shape. And according to the result of comparing the ratio of the circumference of each body part divided by the waist circumference, the obese group also showed a low ratio, indicating that they have bigger waist circumference than any other body parts. By analyzing the ratio of circumference of body parts divided by waist circumference, three factors were identified as contributing to obesity. Using the factor loadings of the upper, distal and lower body obesity, a cluster analysis was carried out and three different categories of obesity were defined; abdominal obesity, distal obesity and proximal obesity.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.48-57
• /
• 2006

Purpose: To investigate the correlation of the serum leptin, adiponectin, and leptin/adiponectin ratio with metabolic disorders in the childhood obesity. Methods: Fifty children (25 obese and 25 non-obese) were recruited in the pediatric outpatient clinic of Chosun University Hospital from January 1st to June 30th 2005. Adiponectin, leptin, anthropometric parameters, glucose, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and insulin levels were measured. The correlations of leptin and adiponectin levels with anthropometric parameters, glucose, insulin and lipids were analyzed by Pearson's correlation coefficients. Results: Insulin and leptin levels of the obese group were significantly higher than those of the non-obese group (p<0.05, p<0.001 respectively). HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin levels of the obese group were significantly lower than those of the non-obese group (p<0.005, p<0.05 respectively). In the obese group, leptin level was positively correlated with BMI and the percentage of body fat, but negatively correlated with adiponectin level. Moreover, adiponectin level of the obese group was negatively correlated with BMI and the percentage of body fat, but positively correlated with leptin level. In the non-obese group, only insulin level was positively correlated with adiponectin. In the obese group, leptin/adiponectin ratio was positively correlated with the percentage of body fat and leptin level. Also, leptin/adiponectin ratio was positively correlated with BMI and the percentage of body fat in the non-obese group. Conclusion: Leptin, adiponectin, and leptin/adiponectin ratio did not appear to have a major role linking various metabolic disorders in the childhood obesity, even though they were strongly associated with obesity indices. Also, leptin/adiponectin ratio was associated with obesity indices even in non-obese children.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
• /
• v.10 no.6
• /
• pp.795-804
• /
• 2005

The purpose of this study was to develop of nutritional education activities and effect evaluation in related curriculums for all Dongbu Elementary School children in Jinhae by the teacher in charge. This educational purpose was to build a desirable dietary behavior for optimal growth and health in elementary school children. The educational program contents were developed according to 1) selection of content related curriculums 2) analysis of contents related on dietary habits by grade 3) preparation teaching plans to build desirable dietary habits 4) development of teaching manual by turns. Twelve hours of nutrition education at all school classes were done from March 2 to December 10 2004 in Dongbu Elementary School in Jinhae, Gyeongnam. The education effects were evaluated through the questionnaire surveys before and after the education and their comparative analysis. The results of this study were summarized as follows : Forty percent of the underweight group, $22.8\%$ of the normal group, $42.2\%$ of the obese group had the wrong perceptions on their body figures, but after nutrition education $80.5\%$ of the underweight group, $94.3\%$ of the normal group, $97.9\%$ of the obese group gleaned the correct perceptions on their body figures (p < 0.001). As the effects of the education, the subjects who exercise more than 3 times in a week increased in all groups (p < 0.01-0.001), notably in the obese group. Meal regularity (p < 0.001) , skipping meals (p < 0.001), eating rate and snack selection patterns (p < 0.01-p < 0.001) also improved by nutrition education. We could also observe the effects of the nutrition education through the affirmative statements which appeared in their dietary records. These results showed a possibility of nutrition education activities in related curriculums to improve in dietary habits of school children. Next year, we will start with the system of nutrition teachers in elementary school, but nutrition teacher cannot undertake the task of teaching and food service management alone. Because of that, we intend to develop this program as an alternative proposal for the nutrition education in elementary schools. (Korean J Community Nutrition 10(6) $795\∼804$, 2005)

• Child Health Nursing Research
• /
• v.19 no.3
• /
• pp.187-197
• /
• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to develop an emotional self-regulation program for obese children and to examine the program's effectiveness on depression, eating habits, and body mass index. Methods: The emotional self-regulation program was developed from theory-based strategies and a pre-post pilot study was conducted with 46 children (19: intervention, 27: control). The program included 6 weekly group sessions over 2 months. The embedded experimental model of concurrent mixed methods was used to better understand research outcomes by converging both quantitative and qualitative data. Anthropometric measurements and surveys were performed before and after the intervention. Three focus group interviews were conducted with all participants after intervention to explore their experiences. Results: The intervention group displayed decreased depression levels in the quantitative outcomes. The participants also expressed positive outcomes such as improvements in confidence, impulse management, intimacy, happiness, and losing weight. Conclusion: These findings suggest that emotional self-regulation skills are crucial factors for obese children not only to manage their emotional problems but also to control their weight. Further research is needed with a larger sample size and randomized controlled trials.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
• /
• v.25 no.3
• /
• pp.189-203
• /
• 2020

Objectives: This study was performed to identify the current barriers of obesity management for children using Community Child Care Centers and their caregivers (parents and teachers working in the Centers). Further, this study explored the possibility of utilizing a mobile phone application for tailored obesity prevention and management programs to overcome the current difficulties associated with children's obesity management. Methods: The qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with 20 obese and overweight children or children who wanted to participate in this study using Community Child Care Centers, 12 teachers working at the Centers, and a focus group interview with five parents of children using the Centers. Data were analyzed with a thematic approach categorizing themes and sub-themes based on the transcripts. Results: The current barriers of obesity management of obese and overweight children using Community Child Care Centers were lack of self-directed motivation regarding obesity management (chronic obesity-induced lifestyles and reduced self-confidence due to stigma) and lack of support from households and Community Child Care Centers (latchkey child, inconsistency in dietary guidance between the Center and household, repetitive pressure to eat, and absence of regular nutrition education). Mobile phone applications may have potential to overcome the current barriers by providing handy and interesting obesity management based on visual media (real-time tracking of lifestyles using behavior records and social support using gamification), environmental support (supplementation of parental care and network-based education between the Community Child Care Center and household), and individualized intervention (encouragement of tailored and gradual changes in eating habits and tailored goal setting). It is predicted that the real-time mobile phone program will provide information for improving nutritional knowledge and behavioral skills as well as lead to sustainable children's coping strategies regarding obesity management. In addition, it is expected that environmental factors may be improved by network-based education between the Community Child Care Centers and households using the characteristics of mobile phones, which are free from space and time constraints. Conclusions: The tailored education program for children using Community Child Care Centers based on mobile phones may prevent and reduce childhood obesity by overcoming the current barriers of obesity management for children, providing environmental and individualized support to promote healthy lifestyles and quality of life in the future.