• Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.151-159
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• 2003

The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in dietary attitudes, dietary behaviors and health-related lifestyles among Korean college students (392 males, 808 females) participating in a web class of nutrition education. This cross-sectional survey was conducted by a self-administered questionnaire and data was analyzed by SPSS program. Most female subjects with weight-control attempt had eating habit problems such as overeating and food jags. The female subjects with weight-control attempt showed significantly higher rate of skipping dinner compared to those without weight-control attempt. As for frequency of exercise, the subjects with weight-control attempt exercised more frequently compared to those without weight-control attempt. In subjects, weight-control attempt was significantly associated with exercise. Nutrient adequacy ratio and mean adequacy ratio of the subjects with weight-control attempt were significantly lower compared to those without weight-control attempt. These results suggest that skipping dinner or exercise might be used as weight-control methods in Korean college female students participating in a nutrition education class via the internet.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.23-31
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was to investigate weight control attempts and related factors among 209 middle school female students in Daejeon. Variables examined were body satisfaction, beliefs regarding weight control, body image, nutrition knowledge, nutritional attitudes, dietary behavior and dietary intake. A cross-sectional survey was employed, and data was analyzed using t-test and chi-square teat (at $\alpha$=0.05). The average height, weight, and body fat (%) of subjects were 160.2cm, 52.4kg, and 25.9%, respectively. Those who attempted weight control were 61.7% of the samples, suggesting that weight control was quite popular among adolescents. Students in the weight control attempt group were more satisfied with their body size (p<0.001), and showed more distorted body image than those in the no weight control attempt group (p<0.001). Most of beliefs regarding weight control were also different in the two groups. The attempt group believed more strongly in the advantages of weight control, and believed less strongly in the harmful effects or difficulties associated with weight control. Although there were no differences in nutrition knowledge in the two groups, nutritional attitudes were slightly more favorable in the attempt group (p<0.01). In contrast, eating behaviors, such as those related to caloric intake (p<0.001), body image (p<0.001), and specific situations (p<0.01) were more desirable in the no-attempt group than in the attempt group. In addition, dietary intake of the attempt group was less adequate than that of the no-attempt group for nutrients such as iron (p<0.01), vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, and vitamin C(p<0.05). This study suggests that adolescents who attempt control weight have a more distorted body image and inadequate diet and showed more undesirable eating behaviors. Students should be taught and practice desirable methods of weight control. Educational programs should also include strategies for changing beliefs regarding weight control, as well as modifying diets and eating behaviors.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.39 no.7
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• pp.674-683
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the obesity and weight control prevalence according to the gender and weight control attempt among middle school students in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do, Korea. The mean age of subjects were 14.4 years old. The mean height, weight and BMI value of boy students were 164.0 cm, 53.0 kg, and $19.7kg/m^2$, respectively, and the mean height, weight and BMI value of girl students were 159.4 cm, 49.8kg, and $19.6kg/m^2$, respectively. Both weight and BMI value of the weight loss attempt groups were significantly heavier and higher than those of the other groups (p < 0.01). In the perception on the body image, the girls perceived themselves to be more fat compared to boys, and the weight loss attempt group perceived their body image to be more fat compared to the other groups (p < 0.001). As for the interest degree of weight control, the interest degree of girls was higher than that of boys (p < 0.01). According to weight control attempt, in the order of the weight loss attempt group, the weight gain attempt group and the no weight control attempt group, the interest degree was significantly higher (p < 0.001). In the frequency and hours of exercise, there was significant difference by gender (p < 0.001). According to weight control attempt, the weight gain attempt group exercised more frequently than the other attempt groups (p < 0.01).

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.21-33
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• 1998

The purpose of this study was to investigate the weight control attempts and related factors among 220 female college students in Seoul. Factors examined included body image, body satisfaction, interest in weight control, beliefs related to weight control, social norms, social expectations regarding subjects' body size and weight change. Data were analyzed using t-test and chi-square test(at $\alpha$=0.05). The average height and weight of subjects were 160.7cm, 52.2kg respectively. BMI and body fat(%) were 20.2 and 25.2%, respectively. One hundred seventy two students(78.2%) had attempted to control their weight, mainly to lose weight, and were categorized as the weight control attempt group. Subjects used diet modification as well as unhealthy method to control weight. 48.2% in the attempt group were underweight or normal weight(by BMI), suggesting that their weight control attempts were was unnecessary. Students in the attempt group described their own size as heavier than those in the no-attempt group(p<0.01) or other girls of their age(p<0.05) ; more dissatisfied with their body size(p<0.01), and showed more interest in weight control(p<0.01). Several differences in beliefs were also noted(p<0.001). The attempt group believed less strongly in the harmful effects or difficulties in weight control and believed more strongly in the advantages of weight control. With respect to social factors, the attempt group perceived that their family and friends wanted them to be smaller than they were(p<0.001), perceived that significant others felt that they should lose weight(p<0.05). These results suggest that educational programs for college female students should start focusing on the harmful effects of excessive dieting and information about desirable weight control methods. Students should be helped to have a correct body image. In addition, educational programs should incorporate strategies to change beliefs regarding weight control, as well as modifying social expectations from significant others.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.39 no.8
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• pp.817-831
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• 2006

The purpose of this study is to compare the nutrition knowledge, dietary behavior and food frequency according to the gender and weight control attempt among middle school students in Seoul and Gyunggi-do, Korea. The subjects were divided into three groups, one with experience in attempting to lose their weight, one with experience in attempting to gain their weight and one with no experience in attempting to control their weight. Nutrition knowledge level of girls was higher than that of boys (p<0.01), but there were no significant difference according to weight control attempt. As for the scores of dietary behavior, there were no significant differences by gender but according to weight control attempt, the scores of dietary behavior of the weight loss attempt group were higher than those of the other attempt groups (p<0.01). In the food intake frequency, there were significant differences according to weight control attempt (p<0.05, p<0.01).

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.814-824
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• 2005

The study purpose was to examine weight control status and related factors among 370 high school girls in Seoul. Factors examined included interest toward weight control, body satisfaction, body image, beliefs regarding weight control and self-efficacy. $65.1\%$ had attempted to control weight and were categorized into attempt group. Those in the attempt group had higher body weight (p < 0.001) and BMI (p < 0.001) than the counterparts. They tried to control weight 2.9 times on average (22.4 days each time). The major information sources for weight control were internet ($62.8\%$), and TV/radio ($17.1\%$). Exercise was most commonly used for weight control, followed by reducing meal amount and skipping dinner. The attempt group was less satisfied with body size (p < 0.001) and perceived their body size as heavier than the counterparts (p < 0.001), but they showed more interest toward weight control (p < 0.001). The ideal body size of society or the body size that they want was very thin in both groups. Twelve out of 20 beliefs regarding weight control were significantly different between the two groups. The attempt group believed more strongly on the advantages such as increased self-confidence, appearance, attractiveness (p < 0.001) and 'good for making friends' (p < 0.01) In contrast, the attempt group believed less strongly about the disadvantages including harmful effects on health (p < 0.001), parents' dislike, feelings of discouragement (p < 0.01) and becoming (p < 0.05). The attempt group showed lower overall self-efficacy to control overeating (p < 0.05) than the counterparts. Especially, the attempt group felt less control of overeating in situations such as eating-out, after school, when they are with family (p < 0.01) or with friends, when they feel hungry, during examination periods and when others offer food (p < 0.05). This study suggested that weight management education for adolescents include strategies for changing body image and beliefs regarding weight control, as well as increasing self-efficacy to control overeating. (Korean J Community Nutrition 10(6) : $814\∼824$, 2005)

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.577-585
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• 2003

The purpose of this study was to investigate eating behavior, nutritional status and health conditions of college students attempting a weight control. The subjects are 88 students of the Daegu area. Their weight, height, triceps, and mid-arm circumference were measured and their dietary intake and eating behavior were obtained by using questionnaires. The 24-hour recall was obtained from the subjects. The results are summarized as follows: The average height, weight and BMI of the attempt and no-attempt male and female students were 171.2cm, 70.7kg and 24.1; 170.4cm, 79.9kg and 27.5; 159.3cm, 60.9kg and 24.0; 157.7cm 60.1kg and 24.2, respectively. Energy intake of the attempt and no-attempt male and female group was 63.9%, 61.8%, 76.2% and 83.9% of RDA respectively. Protein intake of each group was 97.5%, 83.9%, 60.1% and 67.3% of RDA respectively. The following items registered a negative correlation weight and carbohydrate, weight and Na intake, weight and vitamin C intake, PIBW and Na intake, TSF and fiber intake, TSF and Na intake, TSF and vitamin C intake, MAMC and Na intake, and MAMC and vitamin C intake. A relative magnitude of factors affecting weight control was analyzed by Stepwise multiple regression analysis. Overall results about relative influence of independent variables to the dependent variable(weight control) indicated that the BMI (p<0.01) was the most significantly correlated with weight control in all subjects. The results of this study suggest that the extensive nutrition education in the weight control program should be emphasized to prevent obesity early.

• Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.108-118
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• 1999

This study was designed to examined psychosocial status and nutritional factors(nutrition knowledge, dietary attitudes, eating behavior, dietary intakes) among female university students and to investigate if there were differences in these variables by weight loss attempt. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to 225 female university students in Seoul. Survey instrument was adapted or modified based on literature review, and dietary intakes were assessed using 24-hour recall and CAN-pro. Descriptive statistics, t-test x$^2$-test were used in data analysis. Mean height, weight of subjects were 162.7cm, 51.3kg, and mean BMI was 19.4. One hundred-nine students(48.4%) were grouped into weight loss attempt roup and 116 students were grouped int non-attempt group. According to BMI, 58.7% of weight loss attempt group were underweight, suggesting that unnecessary weight control is common in college women. With respect to psychosocial status, subjects received moderate degree of stress and were slightly satisfied with life. There was no significant difference in stress, social support or self-esteem between the two groups, however, students in non-attempt group were more satisfied with their life(p<0.01) and adapted better in school that students in weight loss attempt group. Subjects scored 14.9${\pm}$2.1 (highest score : 20) on nutritional knowledge, and showed favorable dietary attitudes. Overall, nutritional knowledge and dietary attitudes were not significantly different between the two groups. Common eating problems were irregular meals(71.6%), followed by unbalanced meals and eating-out. Subjects in weight loss attempt group were more likely to change eating habit after entering the university and showed more undesirable eating habit. Dietary intake data indicated hat the energy derived from fat was slightly higher than the recommended level. Most of the nutrient intake was lower than the RDA, particularly, iron and calcium intake was below the 50% of the RDA. Although this study did not reveal significant difference in nutritional knowledge or dietary intake by weight loss attempt, this study showed status of weight control, eating habit and dietary intake in female university students, and provide some information for nutrition education of college women.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.628-638
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• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Numerous school-based weight control programs have been initiated for weight loss among adolescents. However, the relationship between these programs and inappropriate weight control efforts, dietary habits and behavior of students, have not been investigated sufficiently. This study was undertaken to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) of adolescents, and their health status and inappropriate weight-control efforts. We further examined the relationship between attendance to school-based weight-control programs and attempting inappropriate weight-control efforts, dietary habits, and behavior. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A survey of 1,742 students was conducted in Korea. Logistic regression was used to assess differences in the health status (grouped by BMI and improper weight control) and dietary habits, based on attendance to the weight-control programs. RESULTS: Obese students were significantly more dissatisfied with physical, mental and spiritual health. Students who attended weight-control programs were likely to be underweight (P < 0.001), whereas those who did not attend weight-control programs were likely to attempt weight control improperly (P < 0.001). Students who participated in the program also had relatively healthy dietary habits (P < 0.001-0.027), and students who did not attend had comparatively unhealthy dietary habits (P < 0.001-0.008). Students who attended weight-control programs were likely to be underweight (P < 0.001) with relatively healthy dietary habits (P < 0.001-0.027), whereas students who did not attend the programs were likely to attempt weight control improperly (P < 0.001) and had comparatively unhealthy dietary habits (P < 0.001-0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Attending school-based weight-control programs was significantly associated with not attempting inappropriate weight-control efforts, as well as following healthy dietary habits. Our data indicates that offering school-based weight-control programs is valuable to student health, and is anticipated to reducing the public health burden.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.856-867
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• 2001

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between of weight control attempts with concern about weight control. nutrition knowledge, eating behavior and nutrients Intake among high school girls in Seoul, Korea. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 355 subjects. The subjects were then divided into two groups, one with experience in attempting to control their weight, and one with no experience in attempting to control their weight. The mean averages of height, weight. obesity index (OI) and BMI of the subjects were 161.1cm, 53.1kg, -5.2% and 20.4, respectively. 49% of the subjects were experienced in attempting weight control. The majority of the group that had experience in weight control expressed dissatisfaction of with their self body image (66.7%), and was concerned about weight control (94.9%). This group also had more abnormal eating habits than the group that had no experience in weight control attempts, such as missing meals, eating irregularly, not eating a variety of foods and snacking. The mean averages of perceived knowledge (PK) and correct knowledge (CK) regarding nutrition on a 30 point scale were 23.6 (78.7% of total score) and 15.8 (52.7%), respectively. There were no significant differences of the PK's and the CK's between the two groups. Nutrients intakes of the two groups were not significantly different and the mean nutrient intakes revealed adequate consumption of energy. protein, Fe, Ca. thiamin. riboflavin, niacin, vitamin A and C. The higher the dissatisfaction of their self body image, PK score. and abnormal eating habits, the higher the level of concerns about of being overweight.