• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.141-151
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• 1998

This survey was conducted to investigate the relation of children's obesity index to their mothers' food habit during the October in 1995. The survey covered a total of 492 mothers whose children were in the fifth grade of elementary schools in Cheju City area. The results are summarized as follows: 1.The surveyed children's average WLI(Weight-Length Index) is 107.08. WLI shows that 16.1% of them are overweight, 16.1% obese and 49.8% ideally weighted. The mothers' average BMI(Body Mass Index) is 22.4. 21.8% of them are underweight and 69.4% normal. The children's obesity index is significantly correlated to their fathers', but not significant to their mothers'. 2.As to the food habit I (balance of nutrients intake), 58.4% of the mothers have 'excellent' or 'good' food habit and the mean score is 14.95 out of maximum possible score 24.0. Concerning to the food habit II (intake of sugar, fat and salt etc.), 87.4% of mothers have 'good' or 'fair' food habit and the mean score of is 13.34 out of maximum (possible score) 20.0. The mothers' food habit I and II, as a whole, have no significant effect on the children's obesity index, but in some items the significant relations are founded. The children's chesty index is significantly related to the intake of eggs (P<0.05) and pan-broiled or fried foods (P<0.05). The amount of mothers' food intake is significantly relevant to their obesity index (P<0.001), but not significantly to their children's. The food habit of mothers who have taken midnight snack almost every day are significantly related to their children's chesty index (P<0.05). The findings of the study emphasize the importance of the nutrition education to ensure health and better physical fitness for children and their mothers.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.68-78
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• 2001

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of exercise and diet control program on blood pattern in obese children. The subjects of this study were five obese boys aged from 8 to 12 participating in the control period(C) for 3 days, exercise period(E) for one week, and exercise+energy restriction period(EER) for another one week, consecutively. The intensity of the exercise was 60~70% of HRmax and the energy was restricted at 493kcal/day. Daily mean total energy intake was 2,152${\pm}$138kcal. 1,861${\pm}$138kca1, and 1,368${\pm}$87kcal for the period C, E and EER, respectively. Body weight of after the program was significantly decreased from 48.94$\pm$5.11kg to 45.94${\pm}$4.74kg(P<0.01). And skinfold thickness. %fat. lean body mass, body mass index were significantly decreased(p<0.01). Blood sugar concentration was not significantly affected by weight loss, but alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly decreased. Concentrations of total lipid, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipid were not significantly decreased. But concentrations of HDL-cholesterol, %HDL-cholesterol, free fatty acid were significantly increased and concentration of VLDL-cholesterol, atherogenic index were significantly decreased. The results of this study showed that the obese children had a tendency to decrease coronary heart disease risk in the respect of plasma HDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol concentration by the exercise plus energy restriction program. Thus if we apply the lower intensity or duration of exercise for them this program might be more effective on the obese children.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.91-99
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• 2010

To elucidate the effects of an obesity control program on body composition and serum lipid levels, 31 obese elementary students (male: 25, female: 6) residing in the Gyeonggi area were evaluated and their body composition, serum total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and TG (triglyceride) were analyzed. The average age, height, weight and BMI (body mass index) were $11.52{\pm}1.00\;yrs$, $151.96{\pm}8.04\;cm$, $68.21{\pm}9.03\;kg$ and $29.40{\pm}1.79\;kg/m^2$ for the males, respectively, and $11.17{\pm}1.17\;yrs$, $147.83{\pm}5.15\;cm$, $65.05{\pm}10.86\;kg$ and $29.62{\pm}3.24\;kg/m^2$ for the females, respectively. There was a significant decrease in BMI for males (p<0.001) and females (p<0.05). There were also significant changes in all of the biochemical levels evaluated before and after the study. Specifically, the total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and TG level decreased after the obesity control program, while the HDL-cholesterol level increased after the program. These results indicate that obesity control programs do change the BMI, serum total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and TG levels in obese elementary students. Thus, obesity control programs are urgently needed to prevent degenerative disease and decrease obesity among children in elementary school.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.62 no.12
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• pp.450-455
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• 2019

Background: Lipid accumulation product (LAP) is associated with the presence and severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults. Purpose: Here we evaluated the ability of LAP to predict NAFLD in obese children. Methods: Eighty obese children (38 girls; age 6-18 years) were included. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical values were obtained from the patients' medical records. LAP was calculated as [waist circumference (WC) (cm) - 58]×triglycerides (mmol/L) in girls; [WC (cm) - 65]×triglycerides (mmol/L) in boys. The minLAP and adjLAP were described (3% and 50% of WC values, respectively) and the total/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol index (TC/HDL-C) was calculated. NAFLD was observed on ultrasound, and patients were divided into 3 groups by steatosis grade (normal, grade 0; mild, grade 1; moderate-severe, grade 2-3). The area under the curve (AUC) and appropriate index cutoff points were calculated by receiver operator characteristic analysis. Results: LAP was positively correlated with puberty stage (rho=0.409; P<0.001), fasting insulin (rho= 0.507; P<0.001), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (rho=0.470; P<0.001), uric acid (rho=0.522; P<0.001), and TC/HDL-C (rho=0.494; P<0.001) and negatively correlated with HDL-C (rho=-3.833; P<0.001). LAP values could be used to diagnose hepatosteatosis (AUC=0.698; P=0.002). The LAP, adjLAP, and minLAP cutoff values were 42.7 (P=0.002), 40.05 (P=0.003), and 53.47 (P= 0.08), respectively. For LAP, the differences between the normal and mild groups (P=0.035) and the normal and moderate-severe groups were statistically significant (P=0.037), whereas the difference between the mild and moderate-severe groups was not (P>0.005). There was a statistically significant difference between the normal and mild groups for adjLAP (P=0.043) but not between the other groups (P>0.005). There was no significant intergroup difference in minLAP (P>0.005). Conclusion: LAP is a powerful and easy tool to predict NAFLD in childhood. If LAP is ≥42.7, NAFLD should be suspected. This is the first study to assess LAP diagnostic accuracy for childhood obesity.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.11 no.sup1
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• pp.102-108
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• 2008

More children today are overweight or obese than ever before. childhood obesity results from an imbalance between the amount of energy consumed and the amount of energy expended. Whether child want to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, it's important to balance between the calories body takes in and uses. Obesity treatment programs for children and adolescents is to slow or halt weight gain so the child will grow into his or her body weight over a period of months to years. Fasting or extreme caloric restriction is not advisable for children. More physical activity is a key element in the prevention and treatment of obesity. Children can't change their exercise and eating habits by themselves. They need the help and support of their families and parents. Children and adolescents who are just beginning to be physically active should start out slowly and gradually build to higher levels in order to prevent the risk of injury or feel defeated from unrealistic goals. It is important that children and adolescents are encouraged to be physically active by doing things that interest them. FUN physical activities that kids choose to do on their own are often best. Kids need about 60 minutes of physical activity a day, but this does not have to happen all at once. Several short 10- or even 5-minute periods of activity throughout the day are just as good. FUN physical activities will help them establish an active lifestyle early on. Obese people need care not for a short period, but throughout their lives.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.12
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• pp.1310-1314
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• 2008

Purpose : This study aimed to assess the prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia in children from low-income families in Gunpo and to evaluate whether economic status affects the prevalence of obesity. Methods : Between October 2007 and March 2008, 341 children (167 girls and 174 boys; age, 6 to 13 years) were enrolled in this study. All these children came from families who earned minimum wages and who were supported by government. We measured height, weight, and blood pressure and performed laboratory examinations, including total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using weight and height. We compared the prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia in children from low-income families with the prevalence of these maladies found in other studies. Results : Prevalence of obesity ($BMI{\geq}95^{th}$) was 7.1%. Prevalence of hypertension and hyperlipidemia was 8.2% and 16.7%, respectively. In the obese group, prevalence of hypertension and hyperlipidemia was 25.0% and 45.8%, respectively. Obesity and hyperlipidemia were slightly more frequent in our study than those found in other reports, and the prevalence of hypertension in the obese group was very high compared with statistics from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (25% vs. 19.5%) and those from other reports. Conclusion : Low-income status was associated with an increased incidence of obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. Hypertension showed an especially strong association with economic status, which seemed to correlate with genetic, environmental, and dietary effects.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.181-187
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• 2000

Purpose: The purpose of our study is to provide useful information for the prevalence of obesity by the standard weight for height and the relationship of the body image to dieting methods for weight control in children. Methods: The survey was performed by an anthropometry and a special questionnaire on children in grades 5 to 6 at elementary schools from May to June 1997 in Kwangju city. Results: 1) Selected individuals were categorized into obese, normal, thin by the standard weight for height and body image. The prevalence of obesity by the standard weight for height was 19.5%, normal was 70.5%, thin was 10.1% in males and respectively 10.5%, 66.3%, 23.1% in females. The prevalence of obesity in regards to body image was 18.4%, normal was 58.4%, thin was 23.2% in males and respectively 24.5%, 58.6%, 16.9% in females. 2) The obese body image was 6.8% in normal and thin groups in males and 19.4% in females. The body image of obese children who do not perceive themselves as obese was 32.6% in males and 28.7% in females. 3) The standard body image was 88.8% as realized by themselves, 77.9% when they compared themselves to friends, 62.7% as told by parents, 56.8% as told by friends, and 29.9% when they compared themselves to celebrities. 4) The source of information for dieting treatment was 44% from radio and television, 30% from books, newspapers, magazines, 17% from family and 9% from friends and seniors. 5) The prevalence of dieting according to the standard weight for height was 18.0% in thin, 18.7% in normal and 36.7% in obese group in males and respectively 17.8%, 22.4%, 46.3% in females. There was a statistically significant correlation between males and females (p<0.0005). 6) The prevalence of dieting up to 2 weeks in the thin and normal groups as recognized by weight centile was 17.3% according to body image. The prevalence of dieting up to 2 weeks in the obese groups was 37.2% according to body image (p<0.001). Conclusion: We suggest that many students perceived their body size incorrectly and tried weight control. The incorrect perception of body size seems to cause the problem of failure to thrive, malnutrition etc. It is necessary for further study to find and prevent side effects by unnecessary weight control and to provide proper health education and management about obesity.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.185-193
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of nutrient intake, screen time (television viewing and computer and/or video games) and physical activity on obesity in preschool children. Recruitment began in January 2008 by distributing letters to mothers who had children aged 6 years enrolled in daycare. Dietary intakes were obtained from the children's mothers, using the 24-hour recall method. The average height and weight of the children were 114.2 cm and 20.3 kg, respectively. Mean age, body weight, height and Kaup index were not significantly different between groups consisting of boys or girls. Assessment by the Kaup index showed that 14.0% of children were underweight, 69.0% were normal weight, 13.0% were overweight, and 4% were obese. The daily intakes of calcium, potassium, fiber, and folic acid in the group of boys were 77.7%, 58.5%, 80.4% and 88.9% respectively. as compared with the DRIs. The daily intakes of calcium, potassium, fiber, and folic acid in the group of girls were 77.7%, 58.5%, 80.4% and 88.9%, respectively. as compared with the DRIs. Intakes of protein, phosphorus, iron, zinc, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C, and vitamin E were higher than the DRIs. There were no difference among 3 groups (underweight, normal, overweight) in energy or nutrient intake. Preschool children with screen time (TV viewing and computer and/or video games use time) of >2 hours per day had significantly higher Kaup index values, and intakes of energy, carbohydrate, folic acid and zinc. In conclusion, preschool children with reported screen time (TV viewing and computer and/or video games use time) of >2 hours per day were fatter. Therefore, we need further investigate the relation between diet and screen time in preschool children to improve future nutrition education programs. Further studies are required to explore the effects of food intake and screen time (TV viewing and computer and/or video games use time) over a longer period of time.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.658-672
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Although children of ethnic minority groups are experiencing a transition from a predominance of undernutrition to overnutrition, there is little evidence of a dual-malnutrition burden. Therefore, this study examined the double burden of malnutrition among school-aged ethnic minority children living in mountainous areas and its association with their diets. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2019 to March 2020 in 3 mountainous areas of Northern Vietnam among 1,556 ethnic minority school-aged children. The prevalence of under-nutrition (stunting and thinness) and over-nutrition (overweight and obesity) were measured using the WHO 2006 child growth standards (height-for-age and BMI-for-age Z-score). Nutritional practices were evaluated by the frequency of food consumption based on a 4-level scale. RESULTS: The percentage of children with stunting and thinness were 14.0% and 5.4%, respectively, while the figure for overweight/obesity was 9.4%. The factors positively associated with stunting were living in a family with more than 2 children or being Muong/other ethnicities compared to the Tay ethnicity. Children who consumed fish/shrimps/crabs or milk weekly/daily were less likely to be undernourished compared to those who never consumed these foods. By contrast, children who never consumed foods rich in vitamin A precursors and vitamin A and fruit or consumed daily snacks/junk food were more likely to be overweight/obese. CONCLUSIONS: Undernutrition remains a common issue among school-aged children and adolescents of ethnic minority groups, while over-nutrition exists simultaneously. Public health nutrition programs promoting adequate diets and positive lifestyle changes related to nutrition are essential to tackle the double burden of malnutrition among ethnic minority children.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.226-233
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• 2011

Objectives: Being overweight or obese is central to metabolic syndrome, and these characteristics constitute dominant risk factors for chronic diseases. Although behavioral factors, including eating habits and sedentary lifestyles, are considered to be determinants of obesity, the specific childhood factors that contribute to this condition have not been clearly defined. Methods: The subjects consisted of 261 children aged 7- 9 years who were recruited from an elementary school during October 2003. Information was obtained from their parents using a questionnaire focused on eating behaviors and lifestyle factors, additional data were also collected via anthropometric measurements and biochemical examinations, including blood tests. Results: A total of 48 (18.4%) of the 261 children were overweight, and 34 (70.8%) had at least one other component of metabolic syndrome. Eating behaviors emerged as significant lifestyle-related risk factors for being overweight or obese. Those who engaged in overeating more than twice per week had three times the risk of being overweight (odds ratio [OR], 3.10, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39 to 6.92), and those who ate rapidly had three times the risk of being overweight (OR, 3.28; 95% CI, 1.68 to 6.41). Those who had fewer family meals (fewer than 2?3/month) had a nine times higher risk of being overweight than those who had family meals more frequently (at least 1/day) (OR, 9.51; 95% CI, 1.21 to 74.82). Conclusions: This study showed that being overweight or obese during preadolescence is associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome and is related to unhealthy eating behaviors. Thus, weight-control strategies and healthy eating behaviors should be developed early in life to reduce the risk for metabolic syndrome.