• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.186-193
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• 2017

Purpose: Obesity is one of the most common health problems among children and its prevalence has increased in recent decades. Socioeconomic status (SES) is a well-known risk factor for childhood obesity although the associations were different across countries. Previous studies in other countries have reported a positive association between childhood obesity and SES in developing countries, and inverse correlation has been reported in developed countries. For this reason, we wanted to investigate the relationship between SES and obesity in Korean children. Methods: Data were acquired 3,095 boys and girls who participated in the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which was conducted from 2010 to 2012. Body mass index was calculated from measured anthropometric data using the 2007 Korean National Growth Charts. Results: Upon univariate analysis, we did not find any statistically significant differences in the parental employment status, monthly family income between children with and without obesity. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed childhood obesity was positively associated with maternal overweight (OR, 1.889; 95% CI, 1.079-3.309), maternal obesity (OR, 3.409; 95% CI, 2.228-5.215) and paternal obesity (OR, 2.135; 95% CI, 1.257-3.627). Conclusion: The present study showed that socioeconomic status might not an important risk factor for obesity in Korean children. These results warrant further studies to clarify the association between SES and obesity in Korean children.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.195-203
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• 2009

Objectives The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of Sobieum on decrease of BMI and obesity index of obese children. Methods 66 children (33 boys, 33 girls) were involved in this study. We measured height and weight for each time their visit, and calculated BMI and obesity index. Results After medication, BMI level and obesity index were significantly reduced (p<0.001). Conclusions We speculate that Sobieum is effective in the treatment of childhood obesity, and further controlled studies are needed with clinical cases of hematological evaluation.

• Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.137-140
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• 2004

Parents play an important role in the development of their children's nutritional knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP). This study was conducted to investigate and assess the nutrition KAP status related to prevention of childhood obesity for parents of preschool children. 1828 subjects were selected cluster-randomly from 6 kindergartens in the urban of Chengdu, China and were surveyed by questionnaire. The results showed that the rate above $80\%$ of total score were $64.3\%(K),\;89.6\%(A),\;19.5\%(P)$ respectively. The nutrition KAP score of subjects was influenced by their education, gender and age. K, A and P scores were positively correlated with each other. The most expected approach obtained nutritional information for subjects was from newspaper, magazines, lectures and TV. It is concluded that the parents of preschool children in Chengdu indicated the limited nutrition knowledge, imperfect nutrition practice and better nutrition attitude. It is suggested that more nutritional education programs on childhood obesity prevention should be given mainly by newspapers, magazines and lectures in this population.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.55-64
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• 2011

This study is important in its focus to find key clues in the marketing strategy, consumer behavior, and communication processes that define the infantile obesity market. The study, the first of its kind, surveyed a target audience, purchasing group, and housewives in their quest to determine purchasing decisions and effective branding strategy planning for the infantile obesity market. Another key component of the study was to focus on the key direct and/or indirect distribution channels for the subject market. Recently, obesity has emerged as a major social concern; some studies show that the onslaught of an adverse eating culture in Korea emanates from the prevalence of fast-food dining establishments. Obesity among children leads to adult obesity, especially if the young people's parents are overweight; notably, if either one or both of the parents are obese, the percentage of young people eventually being obese is approximately 80 to 85 percent. Because obesity is the cause of many major health concerns later in life, the struggle for a healthy life is considerably adversely affected by parents' consumer behavior. Infantile obesity, resulting in adult obesity, is also an important national economic and social issue. The sizable direct and indirect economic costs, as well as the tremendous social costs of obesity, cannot be overstated. Effective food branding and advertising centered on food preferences and dietary behaviors, especially to children, creates an effective marketing effort that, ultimately, leads to positive results. Thus, the purpose of this study is to demonstrate that the treatment of childhood obesity in Korea, through the activation of a brand and retail market, can effectively solve social and economic problems that result from infantile and childhood obesity. In this study, obesity markets and distribution channels in the purchase decision-making factors determining factor based on it effective inspection and branding strategies and brand marketing communications strategy proposed measures contribute to the obesity drug market and further enable the childhood obesity problem is intended to assist in solving.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.77-87
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• 2023

Objectives: It is critical to assess community readiness (CR) when implementing childhood obesity prevention programs to ensure their eventual success and sustainability. Multiple tools have been developed based on various conceptions of readiness. One of the most widely used and flexible tools is based on the community readiness model (CRM). This study aimed to adapt the CRM and assess the validity of a community readiness tool (CRT) for childhood obesity prevention programs in Iran. Methods: A Delphi study that included 26 individuals with expertise in 8 different subject areas was conducted to adapt the CRM into a theoretical framework for developing a CRT. After linguistic validation was conducted for a 35-question CR interview guide, the modified interview guide was evaluated for its content and face validity. The quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed using Stata version 13 and MAXQDA 2010, respectively. Results: The Delphi panelists confirmed the necessity/appropriateness and adequacy of all 6 CRM dimensions. The Persian version of the interview guide was then modified based on the qualitative results of the Delphi study, and 2 more questions were added to the community climate dimension of the original CRT. All questions in the modified version had acceptable content and face validity. The final CR interview guide included 37 questions across 6 CRM dimensions. Conclusions: By adapting the CRM and confirming linguistic, content, and face validity, the present study devised a CRT for childhood obesity prevention programs that can be used in relevant studies in Iran.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.283-294
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• 1988

To study the factors related to childhood obesity, 75 subjects were selected as an obese group and 75 subjects were selected as a control group according to their obesity index and BMI among the 583 children of 5th and 6th grade in elementary school in Seoul. For each subject, skinfold thickness was measured, information on the characteristics of family, nutrient intake and activity time of the subjects were obtained by questionnarie. The results were summarized as following: 1) Parents' obesity indices of obese group were significantly higher than those of control group(Father's Obesity Index : P<0.01, Mother's Obesity Index : P<0.05). 2) Questions about eating rate and behavior showed that subjects in obese group were significantly faster in their eating rate(p<0.05) and always more eager to eat food(p<0.001) compared to control group. 3) Dietary intake data showed that average daily intake of all the nutrients exceeded Korean recommended dietary allowances for the age group. In female children, fat intakes of obese group were significantly higher than control group(P<0.05). There was no such significant difference in male subjects. 4) Activity time record of subjects reveal that there was a trend for males to spend more time in moderate and high activity and less time in light activity compared to females. Subjects in obese group spent significantly more time for light activity(P<0.001) and significantly less time for moderate activity (P<0.001) compared to subjects in control group. The difference of activity was more pronounced in male subjects. 5) Correlation matrix of the variables showed that obesity index, BMI, and skinfold thickness of the subjects were highly correlated with each other. These indices were positively correlated to parent's obesity indices and the time spent for light activity, but negatively correlated to the time spent for moderate activity. Nutrient intakes were not significantly correlated to obesity indices. Form the results shown above, although both obese and control groups are from high socioeconomic class, obese children tended to come from family with fat parents. They eat fast and are always eager to eat. They tend to eat more fat but are very different from controls in nutrient intake. Obese children are significantly lower in their actinity compared to controls. So, for the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity, it seems to be more important to increase their activity levels.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.49-55
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• 2005

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality and problems of Web sites for management of childhood and adolescent obesity. Methods: We evaluated 203 Web sites identified from the search engine, Korean Yahoo, using the word of 'childhood and adolescent obesity'. 203 Web sites were classified according to medical institutions, health information Web sites, beauty shops. etc. We surveyed whether childhood and adolescent obesity distinguished with adult obesity was considered, or not. and researched the unique managements of childhood and adolescent obesity including the cardinal treatment. Results: Of the 203 Web sites, 157(77.3%) provided detailed information about treatment of obesity, 46(22.7%) provided only simple information about one. The sites providing detailed information were composed of 52.2% of oriental medicine clinics, 35.0% of clinic & hospitals including pediatric hospitals. Distribution of the sites about management of childhood and adolescent obesity distinguished with adult's one was only 23% of oriental medicine clinics, but 93% of childrens hospitals. Conclusion: Without considering the speciality of childhood obesity, inaccurate information are distributing on internet web sites. It is necessary for concern and development of advertizing system on the internet distributing accurate information about treatment of childhood obesity.

• Child Health Nursing Research
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.207-214
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to identify differences in physiological· psychological environmental behavioral characteristics between obese and control children participating in a health camp and to identify the factors related to childhood obesity. Methods: Two hundred eighty seven children aged 6 to 12 years were recruited from a health camp for elementary students in D city, Korea. Data collection was done on November 28 and 29, 2009. Anthropometric measurements, blood tests, and self-report surveys were conducted. Chi-square test, independent t-test, ANCOVA, and multiple logistic regression were performed using PASW statistics 18.0. Results: Obese children had adverse conditions for both physiological and psychological characteristics. In terms of environmental and behavioral characteristics, high maternal BMI and more than two hours of TV watching were significantly associated with high risk of childhood obesity (OR=1.11, 95% CI=1.02-1.21; OR=2.05, 95% CI=1.23-3.41). Conclusion: Through a multi-factorial approach, the current study identified the differences between obese and control children participating in a health camp and risk factors of childhood obesity. These findings provide preliminary data and perspectives on intervention research for prevention and management of childhood obesity.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.390-406
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• 2012

Childhood obesity has rapidly increased worldwide and is one of the most serious health problems in this age group. In order to prevent and manage childhood obesity, we developed a nutrition education website. The website consisted of three parts. The first part was made for self-assessment with regard to obesity index, dietary habits, food frequency, dietary attitude, nutrition knowledge, nutrient intake, energy expenditure, and the stage of behavioral change, and tailored messages and advice according to the assessment results. A total of 612 real-size food photos as well as a nutrient database of 3,346 foods and 541 dishes were created to help children estimate nutrient intakes accurately. In addition, an energy expenditure database of 156 activities for children was established to calculate calorie consumption. The second part was made for setting long-term and short-term goals and keeping track of the changes in energy intake and expenditure in one's own page. The third part was made for education. Various types of nutrition information were provided; texts, pictures, calculators and games. The readability and design of the website were evaluated by 46 obese children. Usefulness, design and readability of the website were found to be desirable for children. This website is expected to be used by an obese child alone or with parents or nutrition teachers in order to control body weight through healthy dietary habits and physical activities. In addition, a non-obese child can also use this website for maintaining healthy dietary habits and preventing obesity.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.12
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• pp.1321-1326
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• 2009

Prevalence of obesity in Korean children and adolescents has dramatically increased since the last 10-20 years. It is important to initiate prevention efforts early in childhood because prevalence of obesity in adolescence is the strongest predictor of its prevalence in adulthood. Intrauterine life, infancy, and preschool years may comprise the critical periods that are essential for the long-term regulation of energy balance therefore, obesity-prevention strategies should be initiated in utero and continued throughout childhood and adolescence. Families with high-risk children should be provided early education about maintaining normal weight. Encouraging physical activity and, especially, avoiding inactivity, are key challenges in the prevention of future obesity. Schools should be primarily involved in educating parents to discourage their children from excessively watching TV or playing computer games and eating unhealthy snacks and food. The involvement of medical practitioners is also important, especially, in the case of obese parents, obesity prevention strategies should be promoted from the first visit of pregnant women to the physicians. Health professionals can also be involved in obesity prevention because they are ideally equipped to identify young children at risk of obesity. Community and nation-wide efforts to increase awareness and promote environments that encourage physical activity and healthy nutrition are required.