Blood Lipid Level, Nutrient Intake, Self-esteem and Physical Activity of Obese and Normal Weight Elementary School Children

비만 아동과 정상체중 아동의 혈중 지질 농도, 영양섭취, 자아존중감 및 신체활동 비교

The purpose of this study was to analyze characteristics of the obese children in depth and provide basic information for a comprehensive educational program for the obese children. Physical and biochemical characteristics, nutrient intake, and self-esteem, etc. of 16 obese elementary school children (OC) and 14 normal weight elementary school children (NWC) were examined. Self-esteem was measured using Likert-type scales with description. Plasma levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and glucose of OC were higher than those of NWC. Dietary intake with a lunch provided more energy and vitamin B1 in OC than in NWC. Physical appearance and athletic competence among self-esteem in OC were lower than in NWC. However, there was no significant difference in physical activity between OC and NWC. In OC, atherogenic index was positively related with waist circumference, obesity index and BMI while athletic competence self-esteem was negatively related with them. It is recommended that the children should receive the comprehensive educational program for improving children' dietary behavior and their self-esteem.