Meal Behavior and Food Preferences by Different Body Types of $6^{th}$ Grade Elementary School Children Residing in Anyang City

The purpose of this study was to investigate meal behavior and food preferences of children with different body types. This survey was conducted using a questionnaire for 274 boys and 257 girls in the 6th grade of elementary school in Anyang city. A questionnaire method was used. Food preferences of 14 food groups were tested with 5 likert scale points. Body types were divided with weight-length index(WLI) calculated by height and weight. The cut-off point for the underweight children was 90, and that of the overweight children was 100. The mean weight of the underweight children(26.2%) was 31.9$\pm$4.0kg, and that of the overweight children(26.9%) was 49.4$\pm$6.3kg. The average BMI of overweight children and underweight children was 21.0kg/$m^2$ and 15.5kg/$m^2$respectively. Perceived health status was different based on body types, and more of the overweight children answered they are healthy compared to the underweight children, Body types were not significantly different based on parent's education and occupation. Only 56.7% of the children ate breakfast at a regular time, 60% and 42.9% of the children had their lunch and dinner at regular time, respectively. Higher percentage of overweight children had irregular breakfast(20.1%) and skipped their breakfast and dinner compared to the other groups, however only dinner was statistically significant. The most frequently answered reasons for skipping meals were 'no time to eat'(50%) and 'bad side-dishes'(17.0%). Food preference was not different among the body type groups, however rice-cake was preferred in the underweight group, as well as milk and lettuce were preferred in overweight group. The preferences for milk and grain powdered drink(misitgaru) were same as or a carbonated soft drink. Focusing pubericant, it is necessary to have a regular breakfast. With regard to the importance of nutrition and health for children, the nutrition education for meal behavior and food preference to achieve a balanced diet should be considered.