Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore dietary attitude among middle school students by sex. The subjects were collected from 211 boy students and 198 girl students in the city of Kunsan, Jeonbuk province. The mean age of the subjects was 13.7 years old. The average score of food habit was 4.61 $\pm$ 1.92. The average score of food habit of boy students was higher than the score of girl students. The correlations between the score of food habit and father's education level. family income, and nutritional supplements were positive. The correlation between the scores of the nutrition knowledge and father's education level was also positive. On the other hand the mother's occupation did not have any influence on the scores of food habits and the scores of the nutrition knowledge. As a staple food, cooked rice was preferred on boy and girl students at breakfast(82.7%) and supper(94.3%). The preference of snacks was fruit and fruit juice. The reason of skipping breakfast was the lack of time and no appetite, and skipping lunch was due to no appetite. Lastly the main reason of skipping supper was playing computer on boys. on the other hand no appetite and weight control on girls. In order to improve the nutritional status of the middle school students, they must establish good food habits by eating three regular meals per day and balancing their diet. Also they should be notified that severe weight control is very harmful for health. This study indicate that nutrition education and correct information for body image. balanced diet. regularity of meals and food selection are required for middle school students at both school and home.