• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.89-99
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• 2008

Objectives Obesity is not only a matter of accumulation of adipose tissue but also a projection of self-cognition. This study examined the association between low self-esteem and visceral obesity; visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and visceral adipose tissue /subcutaneous adipose tissue ratio (VSR). Methods This cross-sectional study was performed in pre-menopausal obese(BMI $\geq\;25\;kg/m^2$) women in Seoul, from 2007 to 2008 (n=54). Simple anthropometry including BMI and waist circumference and Computed Tomography (CT) including VAT and VSR were done. To measure self-esteem, Rosenberg self-esteem scale (SES) questionnaire was administered. Subjects were given written consent and this study was performed under the permission of institutional review board of Kyung-Hee East-west Neo Medical Center. Results There was a significant relationship self esteem (SES score) with visceral obesity (VAT and VSR). 1. SES was correlated with VAT (r=-0.377, p<0.01) and VSR (r= -0.400, p<0.01) significantly by Pearson Correlation. 2. VAT and VSR could be predicted from SES by Simple linear regression. VAT = -1.701 ${\times}$ (SES score) +161.191 ($R^2$=0.142) VSR = -1.09${\times}$$10^{-2}$ ${\times}$ (SES score) +0.858 ($R^2$=0.160) Conclusions This study proves that low self-esteem might contribute to visceral obesity in Korean pre-menopausal obese women. Self-esteem and psychological factor should be considered in treatment of visceral obesity in adult-women.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.81-88
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• 2008

Objectives To investigate the relationship between Heart Rate Variability and menopause among obese middle-aged women in Korea. Subjects and Methods Forty middle-aged women (age 49.05 $\pm$ 2.64 years) with BMI > $23kg/m^2$ were recruited by local advertisement. Blood profiles of estrogen, FSH, LH, glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride were measured. Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) was estimated by short-term spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were accessed using Computerized Tomography (CT), Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA), and anthropometry. To scrutinize the influence of ANS on obesity-related factors, we divided the subjects into pre- and post-menopausal women. Results The total cholesterol, FSH and LH were significantly higher in post-menopausal obese women group. The estradiol and standard deviation of all normal R-R intervals (SDNN), high-frequency components (HF) of the HRV were significantly lower in postmenopausal obese women group (P<0.05). Adipose tissue distribution and blood profiles were not significantly different between two groups. Conclusion Menopause induced a decrease in SDNN and HF values and increase in total cholesterol level in obese women although the VAT itself was not related with ANS in obese women.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.683-694
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• 2004

The objective of this study is to improve the health related quality of life through the efficient weight reduction by analyzing the ecological factors related to completion of weight reduction program in the obese premenopausal women aged 20-29 years. The factors influencing completion of obesity management programs in the obese women were the preferences of sweet and salt taste, health related quality of life (general health, role emotional), eating attitude scores, and regularity of mealtime scores. The finding that the completion of obese management programme were improved if the health-related quality of life was high and the physiological status related symptoms of stress, depress, and eating disorder were good has implications for the treatment of obesity. The questionnaire used this study can be available to develop the obesity assessment sheets which is required the exploration of the characteristics of obese women and the tailored multi-disciplinary obesity management program. Moreover, the obesity assessment sheets will make a contribution to determine types of the programs that is suitable for obesity women before starting an obesity management program.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.298-310
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the laughter therapy program on perceived stress and psycho-neuro-endocrine-immune responses in obese women. Methods: A nonequivalent control group with a pretest-posttest design was used. The participants (n=60), whose age ranged from 30 to 50 years (pre-menopausal and body mass index of over $25kg/m^2$), were assigned to the experimental group (n=24) or control group (n=26). The experimental group was provided with the laughter therapy program (12 sessions) for 6 weeks. Results: There were significant differences in perceived stress, psychological stress response, fasting blood sugar, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha between the two groups after the program. However, there were no significant differences in normalized low frequency (norm LF), normalized high frequency (norm HF), LF/HF ratio, and cortisol between the two groups after the program. Conclusion: It was found that the laughter therapy program had positive effects on some variables in terms of perceived stress and psycho-neuro-endocrine-immuno responses. It is suggested that the laughter therapy in this study can provide the direction for developing a program for obese women.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.20-30
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• 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to verify the effects of H Gambitang (GB-001) on body composition and basal metabolic rate in pre- and post-menopausal obese woman retrospectively. Methods: The study was conducted on 57 middle-aged obese women. They were divided into two groups; pre-menopausal obesity group (Pr-MOG; n=34) and post-menopausal obesity group (Po-MOG; amenorrhea was continued to 14~48 month, n=23) with no significant difference of age, height, body weight and body mass index. All subjects took herbal medicine 3 times a day, for 6 weeks during treatment period. The weight, height, body fat mass, skeletal muscle mass, and basal metabolic rate of all subjects were measured on first visit. The following measurements were repeated after 2 weeks (2nd), 4 weeks (3rd) and 6 weeks (4th) with Inbody 370 (Biospace) equipment to identify changes of body fat mass, skeletal muscle mass, and basal metabolic rate. Results are represented as mean and standard deviation. Results: Po-MOG showed significantly lower decrease rate in weight reduction on 2~6 weeks while significantly higher decrease rate in skeletal muscle reduction on 4~6 weeks. There were no significant differences between two groups in body fat reduction rate and basal metabolic increasing rate. Conclusions: H Gambitang (GB-001) can be used not only in Pr-MOG but in Po-MOG in weight loss although the effect can be lower in Po-MOG. To prevent skeletal muscle mass loss in Po-MOG, following study on adjusting dose and components of H Gambitang (GB-001) thought to be necessary.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.23-31
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• 2004

Background: Obesity is associated with menstrual disorder. Especially, upper-body obesity affects on female reproductive function. Objectives: The goals were to investigate relation between fat distribution and menstrual disorder in obese pre-menopausal Korean females. The hypothesis were tested that there is a relation between upper body obesity and menstrual disorder. Design: A cross-sectional evaluation of 66 Females (baseline age $32.15{\pm}7,32)$ with body mass index $31.22{\pm}4.05\;kg/m^2$. Body composition was measured using bioimpedence analysis (BIA) and anthropometry was done by same observer. VAS and Multidimensional verval rating scale(MVRS) were checked for menstrual pain. Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) was measured for evaluating body fat distribution. Menstrual disorder and body fat distribution were compared using statistical methods. Results: TLFR and WH ratio was higher in menstrual cyclic disorder group than controls. There was negative relationship between VAS and TLFR. Conclusions: The data shows that disorder of menstrual cycle was associated with upper body obesity. WH ratio could be one of the factor of menstrual disorder. VAS was correlated with lower body obesity. Further studies for role of upper body fat distribution on female reproductive function and relationship between menstrual pain and fat distribution thought to be needed.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.469-475
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• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The goal of the present study was to investigate the effects of moderate caloric restriction on ${\beta}$-cell function and insulin sensitivity in middle-aged obese Korean women. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Fifty-seven obese pre-menopausal Korean women participated in a 12-week calorie restriction program. Data on total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and fasting serum levels of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, blood pressure, leptin and anthropometrics were collected. A dietary intake assessment was based on three days of food recording. Additionally, ${\beta}$-cell function [homeostasis model assessment of ${\beta}$-cell (HOMA-${\beta}$), insulinogenic index (ISI), C-peptide:glucose ratio, and area under curve insulin/glucose ($AUC_{ins/glu}$)] and insulin sensitivity [homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), Quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICKI) and Matsuda index (MI)] were recorded. RESULTS: When calories were reduced by an average of 422 kcal/day for 12 weeks, BMI (-2.7%), body fat mass (-10.2%), and waist circumference (-5%) all decreased significantly (P < 0.05). After calorie restriction, weight, body fat percentage, hip circumference, BP, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, plasma glucose at fasting, insulin at fasting and 120 min, $AUC_{glu}$ and the insulin area under the curve all decreased significantly (all P < 0.05), while insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR, QUICKI and Matsuda index) measured by OGTT improved significantly (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Moderate weight loss due to caloric restriction with reduction in insulin resistance improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in middle-aged obese women and thereby may help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.40-49
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• 2007

This study was done to investigate the health-related habits, dietary intakes and serum lipid levels in overweight and obese women by body mass index(BMI). Subjects were 137 pre-menopausal women aged 19 to 49 years. They were divided by 3 groups, overweight($23{\leqq}BMI<25$), obese($25{\leqq}BMI<30$) and morbidly obese($BMI{\geq}30$) according to their BMI. Body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis(BIA) method. Dietary intakes were examined by 3-day record method and nutrient intakes were analyzed by the Computer Aided Nutritional analysis program for professionals(CAN-pro 3.1). Serum lipid levels were measured using automatic biochemical analyzer(Selectra E). The average age, height weight and BMI of subjects were 31.7 years old, 159.3cm, 69.4kg, and $27.4kg/m^2$, respectively. Their average consumption of energy were 1712kca1 and 86.4% of estimated energy requirement(EER). Their mom ratio of carbohydrate:protein:fat was 55.2:14.6:30.2. Particularly, the fat consumption of subjects tended to be elevated with increasing BMI. There was no significant difference in nutrient intakes among 3 groups. But the mom intakes of Ca, Fe, vitamin C and Na of all the subjects were 70.1%, 81.2%, 75.7% of recommended intake(RI) and 258.9% of adequate intake(AI), respectively, The intakes of vegetables and seaweeds were significantly higher in morbidly obese group while the intake of fruits was higher in overweight group compared to the other groups. Serum lipid analysis showed that there were no significant differences in the levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol among the groups. But the serum HDL-cholesterol level of the overweight group was significantly higher than that of the other groups. LDL-/HDL-cholesterol ratio and AI index were significantly higher in the morbidly obese group compared to the other groups. In addition, The systolic blood pressure of morbidly obese group was significantly higher compared to the other groups. Overall data suggest that morbidly obese women have to more concern about reducing systolic blood pressure and nm lipid levels by decreasing their fat consumption and salt intakes as well as loosing body fat. In addition, all the subjects participated in this study have to be careful about their meals and health-related behaviors in order to prevent obesity-related chronic diseases.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.155-167
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• 2009

Objectives : Psychological comorbidities are high in patients with obesity and are associated with a variety of medical and dietary problems. This study aims to examine the association between psychological factors and obesity. Methods : This study was performed in pre-menopausal obese($BMI{\geq}25kg/m^2$, waist circumference ${\geq}85cm$) women in Seoul, in 2008 (n=35). Every patient underwent the obesity treatment program. The program included dietary and exercise education, and abdominal mesotherapy for 6 weeks. Simple anthropometry including weight, BMI and Computed Tomography (CT) including Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and Visceral adipose tissue/Subcutaneous adipose tissue ratio (VSR) were done. To assess psychological factors, the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (SES) questionnaire, Beck depression inventory (BDI) questionnaire and stress response inventory(SRI) questionnaire were administered. Results : 1. All of the obesity indicators (except VSR) decreased significantly after the obesity treatment program. 2. There was a significant relationship between self esteem (SES score) and visceral obesity (VAT and VSR) measured at the end of the program. 3. During the intervention, the more weight, BMI, and subcutaneous adipose tissue decreased, the more self-esteem (SES) increased. There was no relationship between depression (BDI) and obesity. And the change in stress response (SRI) was associated with the change of deep subcutaneous adipose tissue and total abdominal adipose tissue. Conclusions : This study proves that visceral obesity may contribute to low self-esteem, and there is a possibility that the other psychological factors could also be related with obesity in Korean obese women. Individualised antiobesity therapy may be required depending on the patient's psychological characteristics and weight loss could be helpful in order to treat psychological problem in obese patients.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.85-96
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• 2016

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the effects of acupuncture treatment and heart rate variability (HRV) in pre-menopausal obese women. Methods Thirty-seven obese women who met the inclusion criteria were recruited. To estimate the effects of acupuncture, obesity indices, such as body weight (BW), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and the waist-hip ratio (WHR), were measured before and after the treatment. The HRV test was conducted before treatment and analyzed using the frequency domain method. Results The lnLF/HF ratio (natural logarithm of low frequency power/high frequency power ratio of the HRV value) before treatments was negatively correlated with differences in WC, HC, and WHR during treatment. The correlation coefficients between the lnLF/HF ratio and the differences in WC, HC, and WHR were r=-0.459 (p<0.01), r=-0.327 (p<0.05), and r=-0.339 (p<0.05) respectively. Conclusions As the baseline ratio of sympathetic activity to parasympathetic activity decreases, WC, HC, and WHR reduction significantly increased during treatment. Further study is needed to uncover the relationship between obesity-related variables and the autonomic nervous system to predict the effect of acupuncture.