• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.376-387
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• 1997

The elderly are the most rapidly growing segment of the population in Korea and the largest consumers of expensive medical care. It is reasonable to believe that improving the nutritional status would be beneficial to reducing morbidity and to impro- ving the quality of their lives. This study was conducted to assess the health status and the Nutritional Risk Index of the elderly, and to provide the basic data for the Elderly Nutrition Improvement Program at the Public Health Center. One hundred and forty seven(76 males. 71 females) aged 60 years and over living in Suwon, were assessed with anthropometric measurements, body fat analysis, blood pressure measurements, and a set of questionnaires about health and other related variables. Over half of them had less than a junior middle school education and were considered low income. The percentage of overweight and obese subjects was 33% by the BMI(Body Mass Index), and the prevalence of hypertension was 28$\%$(males) and 31$\%$(females). They had a lot of self-recognized health problems, the male elderly complained about more than the female elderly. In the case of psychological health status, however, the female elderly showed a higher proportions of depression than the male elderly(p$\ll$0.05). In social health status, the elderly had good relationships with friends and collegues, whereas they had poor relationships with their families. They had many nutritional risk factors, and smoking was the most prevalent risk factor for the male elderly and anemia was for the female elderly. The results of this study suggest that Elderly Nutrition Improvement Programs should be planned that can be easily followed. It would be helpful to design a program focusing on individual phychological and social health status, this would increase the efficiency of the program.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.36 no.7
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• pp.769-776
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• 2003

This study has analyzed the association of physical activity and television watching time with obesity in 30-50 aged women from middle income town in Busan city area. Data were obtained using a questionnaire, including information about physical activity, TV watching time and health habit; social data regarding educational level and monthly income; family history of chronic condition. Height and weight were measured. Outcome variable was obesity, defined as a body mass index 25 kg/m$^2$ or greater. Odds ratios (OR) for obesity were estimated by multivariate logistic regression, and interpreted as a relative risk of obesity. The prevalence of obesity was 11.8%. The mean BMI of obese women was 26.9 kg/m$^2$. The OR of obesity was higher in subject of 40s than 30s. Subjects who had higher educational level presented lower OR than those of elementary or middle school education. Family income was not associated with obesity. Women having a family history of chronic condition had higher risk of obesity than those who did not have it. The OR was lower in active people at work (OR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.26 - 0.98) than in inactive ones, and the ORs associated with regular exercise or activity at leisure time were not statistically different. However, subjects watching TV $\geq$ 3.5 hr/day showed higher OR (OR = 2.34; 95% CI = 1.16 - 4.74), compared with those watching TV $\geq$ 1.5 hr/day. Association of the joint classification of physical activity variables with obesity was estimated. The highest relative risk of 5.99 was in women in physically inactive at work and high category of TV watching ($\geq$ 3.5 hr/day). Even in women in active at work, the watching TV $\geq$ 3.5 hr/day made them have the high OR (OR = 2.44; 95% CI = 1.03 - 5.77). And at each time level of TV watching, the increasing activity level at work was associated with lower OR for obesity. These findings suggest that both TV watching time and physical activity at work were related to obesity in adult female, each with independent effects on obesity. TV watching time seems to be a significant factor that could partly evaluate the energy expenditure.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.212-221
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• 2011

This study was conducted to identify differences in growth based on the obesity index in sixth grade. Heights and weights of 141 students from first to sixth grades were collected from school records. Other information was gathered by survey, and the weight length index (WLI) was calculated. Subjects were classified into three groups: underweight (n = 57, UG), normal (n = 53, NG), and obese (n = 31, OG) using the WLI. Differences in weight, height, and growth velocity were compared among the three groups from the first to sixth grades. With regard to growth, the past physical status of the three groups was maintained. More than 50% of the OG was in the overweight range when they were in the third to fifth grades. Approximately 60% of NG was in the normal weight range between the first and fifth grades. More than 70% of UG was in the underweight range when they were in the first to fifth grades (p < 0.001). Growth velocity was faster in OG than that in NG and UG (p < 0.001). The annual growth rate of children was the highest when they moved from the third to the fourth grade (p < 0.001). The results indicate that general balanced diet education should be implemented in lower grades, because physical growth formed in lower grades tended to be maintained in senior grades. It would be better to educate students about diet to prevent obesity before the fifth grade when a major change in body structure has occurred.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.175-181
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• 2012

The widespread pursuit of a thin physique may have a detrimental impact on the wellbeing of preadolescents. The influence of body image distortions on the lifestyles, dieting behaviors, and psychological factors was investigated in 631 fifth and sixth grade children in Kyeonggi-do, Korea. Children were classified into three weight groups (underweight, normal, and overweight) and three perception groups (underestimation, normal, and overestimation). Necessary information was obtained by questionnaire, and each subject's weight status was determined by the Rohrer index calculated from the annual measurement records, which were obtained from the school. According to their current weights, 57.4% of children were normal and 32.2% were overweight or obese, 16.6% of the children overestimated their body weight, and 55.2% had an undistorted body image. Overweight children had desirable lifestyles and dietary habits and presented reasonable weight control behaviors. Compared to those without distortion, the overestimated group had greater interest in weight control ($P$ = 0.003) and dissatisfaction with their body weights ($P$ = 0.011), presented unhealthy reasons to lose weight ($P$ = 0.026), and had higher scores for "feeling sad when comparing own body with others" ($P$ = 0.000) and for "easily getting annoyed and tired" ($P$ = 0.037), even though they had similar obesity indices. More subjects from the overestimation group ($P$ = 0.006) chose drama/movies as their favorite TV programs, suggesting a possible role for the media in body image distortion. These findings suggest that body image distortion can lead preadolescents to develop stress about obesity and unhealthy dieting practices, despite similar obesity indices to those without distorted body images. These results emphasize the importance of having an undistorted body image.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.39 no.7
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• pp.661-673
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• 2006

Ssireum, the traditional Korean sport, is very popular at both amateur and professional levels. Ssireum players are prone to be obese which related to the chronic disease in their later life. The purpose of the study was to compare the anthropometric measurements, quality of diet, and blood parameters of Ssireum players with those of subjects who were matched body mass index, gender and age. Participants in the 3 groups, Ssireum players (SP, n=15), regular moderate exerciser (RME, n=15, >3 times /wk, >20 min/time) and intermittent light exerciser (ILE, n=14) groups. Anthropometric measurements included height, weight, fat mass (by Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), lean body mass, triceps and thigh skin-fold thickness, mid-arm, waist, hip and thigh circumference. Dietary assessments were accomplished using 3-days food records, diet quality index (DQI), dietary variety score (DVS). Blood levels of lipids, leptin and insulin were analyzed. As a results lean body mass and mid-arm circumference were significantly higher in Ssireum players than those of other groups (p<0.01). Total body fat, trunk fat, abdominal skin fold thickness and waist-hip ratio were significantly lower in SP group than those of other groups (p<0.01). DVS were higher however, dietary quality was low in Ssireum players than in other groups. There were no differences among the 3 groups in regard to blood total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and glucose levels however, leptin level was low in Ssireum players. These results indicate that Ssireum players had significantly higher lean body mess and lower body fat when these were compared with regular moderate exerciser and intermittent light exerciser. Blood leptin levels of Ssireum players were low but blood lipid profiles were not significantly different.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.10
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• pp.4233-4238
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• 2014

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of body mass index with overall and progression-free survival as well as other prognostic factors of breast cancer in patients with non-metastatic breast cancer. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 456 patients diagnosed with breast cancer in the Radiation Oncology department of Kayseri Teaching Hospital between 2005 and 2013. We investigated relationship of body mass index with prognosis and other prognostic factors. Results: The study included 456 patients (447 women and 9 men). Mean age at presentation was 55.6 years. Of the cases, 96.9% underwent modified radical mastectomy and 95.0% received chemotherapy, while 82.4% received radiotherapy and 60.0% were given hormone therapy. Body mass index was >25 mg/kg2 in 343 cases. Five- and 10-years overall survival rates were 77% and 58% whereas progression-free survival rates were 65% and 49%, respectively. In univariate analyses, factors including stage (p=0.046), tumor diameter (p=0.001), lymph node metastasis (p=0.006) and body mass index (p=0.030) were found to be significantly associated with overall survival, while perinodal involvement was found to be significantly associated with progression-free survival (p=0.018). In multivariate analysis, stage (p=0.032; OR: 3.8; 95% CI: 1.1-13), tumor diameter (p<0.000; OR: 0.0; 95% CI: 0.0-0.3), lymph node metastasis (p=0.005; OR: 0.0; 95% CI: 0.0-0.5) and BMI (p=0.027; OR: 0.02; 95% CI: 0.0-0.8) remained as significantly associated with OS. Conclusions: In our study, it was seen that overall survival time was shorter in underweight and obese patients when compared to normal weight patients.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.154-172
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• 2015

The prevalence of obesity is continuing to increase. Self-perceived body image among women has drawn a lot of attention in Korea due to unhealthy weight control trials. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between self-perceived body image and dietary intakes among Korean women. For the analysis, 1,747 subjects were selected after eliminating those who were likely to have recently altered their diet based on the 2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data. The subjects were divided into three groups: underweight, normal, and obese groups according to their perception of body image. Daily nutrient intakes, NAR (Nutrient Adequacy Ratio), and food intake frequency were assessed according to age group and body image perception. Only energy intake showed differences among the three body image perception groups across all age groups, but not statistical differences. Analysis of NAR and the order of most frequently consumed food items confirmed these findings. The ratio of underweight women that perceived their body size as normal or overweight was higher with younger age. Incorrect body image perception and unhealthy weight control behaviors can cause nutritional problems. This study confirmed that nutritional knowledge is important for healthy weight control trials. Nutritional education for healthy dieting should be emphasized among Korean women.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.11 no.sup1
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• pp.93-101
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• 2008

Management of obesity needs good rapport among pediatrician, parents and children. Through motivational interview, pediatrician should explore practical ways to modify the eating behaviors conducive to obesity. Imbalance between energy intake and consumption contributes to weight gain. Therefore decrease of sedentary behavior (screen time <2 hrs) and increase of physical activity (>60 minutes) is also important in management of obesity. The goal of management is the long-term healthy life though healthy behaviors. Creating a home environment that supports healthy habits and behaviors is an important key to modifying lifestyle behaviors. For example, increasing intake of vegetables and fruits, restriction of sweetened beverage, education of healthy selection of foods, and frequent family dinner may be advisable. Family members should change their own behaviors in order to help their children. Parents should be positive role model and monitor their children authoritatively but not restrictively.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.271-282
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• 2005

This study analyzed the physical indices, food habits and nutrient intakes of patients with hypertension, to provide better research data for the prevention and the cure for disease as well as basic data for nutrition education. The subjects were 44 patients who visited the general hospital, located in Daegu, to receive hypertension treatment The lifestyle, food habit, nutrient intakes, anthropometric measurements, body fat and blood pressure were measured as main indices. By the BMI, $72.8\%$ of the patients were over weight or obesity $(>23\;kg/m^2)$. In the male group, the WHR tended to increase according to the BMI (p<0.05). In the female group, the body fat tended to increase according to the BMI (p<0.05). The group with more monthly income showed lower systolic blood pressure than the group with smaller monthly income (p<0.05). The scores about food habits concerning balanced diet and preference for salt were low, which implied that food habits of subjects were not desirable. The intakes of riboflavin and calcium didn't meet the RDA requirements. Especially, the lack of calcium was more ap~nt in the female patients than the male ones. Despite this, they had more than enough protein, vitamin C, and iron. The physical indices according to blood pressure revealed that the group of higher blood pressure showed greater WHR (p<0.001). The male group with higher systolic blood pressure showed greater BMI than one with lower systolic blood pressure (p<0.05). As for nutrient intakes according to blood pressure, the group with higher blood pressure had more sodium and iron than one with lower blood pressure (p<0.05). The patients with hypertension tended to be more overweight or obese, preferred salty foods, and were in an unbalanced state of nutrient intakes. Thus more systematic and ongoing measures should be pursued to take care of patients with hypertension.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.156-162
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect and correlation of anthropometric data, eating behaviors, and nutrient intake on the bone mineral density(BMD) of female college students. 349 female college students were surveyed and their age, height, and weight were an average of 20.5 years, 163.2 cm and 54.0 kg, respectively. Their average BMI was 20.2, with 66% falling in the normal range, 21.8% classified as underweight, 8.0% as overweight, and obese individuals comprised 3.4% of the sample by BMI classification. Calcaneal BMD was measured and the average T-score was 0.117. The results of BMD measurements were normal in 268 people(76.8%), osteopenia was found in 71 individuals(20.3%), and osteoporosis in 10(2.9%), respectively. There was a significant difference in bone mineral density according to height(p<0.05) and BMI (p<0.01). There were significant differences between BMD and eating behavior, regularity of eating behaviors(p<0.05), instant food intake(p<0.05), eating out(p<0.05) and nutritional supplement intake(p<0.05). In addition, normal the group with normal BMD had a more desirable eating behavior compared to the osteopenia and osteoporosis afflicted groups. BMD had a significant difference according to the nutrient intake of calcium(p<0.05), vitamin A(p<0.05), and vitamin C(p<0.05). In conclusion, BMD showed a good correlation with height(p<0.01), BMI(p<0.01), body composition including total body water(p<0.05), FFM(p<0.05), body protein(p<0.05) and intake of calcium(p<0.05), iron(p<0.05), vitamin A(p<0.05), and vitamin C(p<0.05). Therefore, an education plan and training on balanced diets proper body weight control, and desirable eating behaviors for female college students will be needed.