• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.793-804
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• 2009

This study was conducted to investigate the change in the anthropometric values, biochemical index, nutritional knowledge, food habits and nutrient intakes in obese children after a weight control program. The subjects of the study were 22 obese children with an obesity index over 120%. The children that participated in this study took nutritional education for weight control along with exercise once a week. The weight control program was conducted for 10 weeks. The BMI, WHR (Waist-Hip ratio), body fat (%) significantly decreased at the end of the weight control program. Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were also significantly decreased. The nutritional knowledge scores and knowledge score about obesity were slightly improved. Energy intake significantly decreased from 1768 to 1421 kcal. Intake of Ca, Na, K, vitamin A, vitamin $B_6$, vitamin C and folate increased, while intakes of P, Zn, vitamin $B_1$, vitamin $B_2$, vitamin E and niacin decreased. The distribution of energy intake was significantly changed for the better. The percent fat consumed decreased from 26.5 to 19.7%. In addition, the distribution of energy intake in the meals was changed, where the percent calories consumed during lunch significantly increased from 31.4 to 40.1% and the calorie percentage consumed from snacks significantly decreased from 17.6 to 10.7%. In conclusion, the nutritional education in the weight control program, which was conducted for 10 weeks, was effective in improving the anthropometric values, biochemical index and nutrient intake although nutrition knowledge and eating behaviors only changed slightly. Thus, nutritional weight control programs for obese children should be continuously provided under the proper cooperation of a nutritional teacher at elementary schools.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.282-296
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• 2013

The study classified 83 obese adults by constitution and had them follow a strict diet according to their constitution in order to see if the Yin-Yang method would be effective on the metabolic syndrome, which is one of the main causes of death in Korea. Overall, the application of both Yin and Yang methods improved the following factors: weight, body fat percentage, systolic blood pressure, diastolic pressure, neutral fats and total cholesterol. In particular, the Yin constitution group of men showed more improvements than the Yang constitution group. Furthermore, waist circumference and the prevalence rate of systolic blood pressure, diastolic pressure, total cholesterol and metabolic syndrome were decreased noticeably. Total energy intake was increased in both men and women after the constitutional diet, along with the increase of nutrient intake, such as dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals, among others. Among various nutrients, vitamin A, vitamin C, thiamine, vitamin B6, folic acid, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and iron intake were increased noticeably after the constitutional diet. In addition, subjects' intake of all nutrients, except for magnesium, satisfied the nutrition intake standards. Further, the nutrients adequacy ratio (NAR) and the mean adequacy ratio (MAR) improved for both men and women. The intake of potatoes, starch, greens and mushrooms increased noticeably, whereas the intake of meat, dairy, drinks and alcohol decreased after the constitutional diet. For the Yin constitution, the intake of Yin foods noticeably decreased, where as the intake of Yang foods decreased for the Yang constitution. In conclusion, the constitutional diet effectively improves the metabolic syndrome. Among many nutrients, the intake of dietary fiber, vitamins A, C and E, potassium and magnesium is positively associated with the improvement of metabolic syndrome biomarkers.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.24-35
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• 2014

Objectives: Although the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is thought to play an important role in treatment of obesity, no study has been conducted to investigate acupuncture's effects on this aspect of the ANS. This study aimed to describe the effects of acupuncture in the ANS by means of heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. Methods: A total of 46 obese women aged from 21 to 54 with body mass index ranging from 25.1 to $39.3kg/m^2$ were recruited and randomized into both the real acupuncture group (n=23) and sham acupuncture group (n=23). A total of 3 instances of HRV analysis were conducted before, during, and after treatment. Statistically significant differences between time and groups were analyzed using repeated measure analysis of variance. Results: All parameters of time domain analysis and frequency domain analysis except for the square root of the mean squared differences of successive normal sinus intervals (RMSSD) and very low frequency (VLF) showed significant differences between times. The mean of all R-R intervals (mean RR) showed significant level of interaction between time and group. Between groups, time domain analysis of standard deviation of the normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), RMSSD and frequency domain analysis of total power (TP) and high frequency (HF) showed significant differences. Conclusions: The real acupuncture group showed deactivation of parasympathetic function and relative increase of sympathetic activity in obese subjects. Further studies are necessary to uncover the mechanisms of acupuncture in obesity treatment.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.15-24
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• 2011

Objectives Our purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between depression, stress, and obesity indexes. Methods This study was performed in 110 healthy overweight and obese(BMI${\geq}23\;kg/m^2$) women in Korea. Subjects underwent abdominal CT(computed tomography) scanning and were asked to complete Beck depression inventory(BDI), social readjustment rating scale(SRRS), and stress response inventory(SRI) questionnaires. Weight, body-mass index(BMI), waist circumference(WC), and waist-hip ratio(WHR) were evaluated. Subjects were given written consent and this study was performed under permission of institutional review board of KyunHee University Hospital at Gangdong. Results 1. BDI and SRI were significantly correlated with VFA(visceral fat area)(p<0.05). However, other obesity indexes were not significantly correlated with BDI and SRI(p>0.05). 2. SRRS was not significantly correlated with all obesity indexes(p>0.05). Conclusions This study suggests that depression and stress might be correlated with visceral fat, and this result would be helpful for planning a treatment schedule of obese patients with depression or stress in the clinic.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.283-290
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Indirect calorimetry is the gold-standard method for the measurement of resting energy expenditure. However, this method is time consuming, expensive, and requires highly trained personnel. To overcome these limitations, various predictive equations have been developed. The objective of this study was to assess the validity of predictive equations for resting energy expenditure (REE) in Korean non-obese adults. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The present study involved 109 participants (54 men and 55 women) aged between 20 and 64 years. The REE was measured by indirect calorimetry. Nineteen REE equations were evaluated for validity, by comparing predicted and measured REE results. Predictive equation accuracy was assessed by determining percent bias, root mean squared prediction error (RMSE), and percentage of accurate predictions. RESULTS: The measured REE was significantly higher in men than in women (P < 0.001), but the difference was not significant after adjusting for body weight (P > 0.05). The equation developed in this study had an accuracy rate of 71%, a bias of 0%, and an RMSE of 155 kcal/day. Among published equations, the $FAO_{weight}$ equation gave the highest accuracy rate (70%), along with a bias of -4.4% and an RMSE of 184 kcal/day. CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed equation provided the best accuracy in predicting REE for Korean non-obese adults. Among the previously published equations, the $FAO_{weight}$ equation showed the highest overall accuracy. Regardless, at an individual level, the equations could lead to inaccuracies in a considerable number of subjects.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.51-60
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• 1995

Obesity is defined as excessive storage of energy in the form of fat resulting in adverse effect on healthy and longevity. Some data have shown increased incidence of hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia in overweight individuals and other disorders such as joint disease, cancer have been also associated with obesity. Recently, various commercial diet programs have been introduced for weight reduction without scientific evaluation for clinical effect and safety. The diet program must be based on a sound and scientific rationale and also be safe and nutritionally adequate. Pulmuone $diet^{(R)}$ is a calorie-restricted commercial diet-food, which contains adequate nutritients. The efficacy and safety of Pulmuone diet were evaluated in 28 normal healthy obese females in a prospective study. Each volunteer was placed in 3-week diet program. To observe weight reduction effect, body weight, TSF and AMC were measured every week. To account for safety of this program, blood chemistry test, blood pressure and side effects were monitored every week. Mean body weight was reduced by 3.24kg following diet program, which is statistically significant(P < 0.05) and this weight reduction was related to reduction in fat weight and not muscle weight as shown by the results of TSF and AMC Blood chemistry was not influenced by this program, but blood pressure was significantly reduced following this program. Thought diet program was generally well tolerated in most volunteers, the most frequent side effects are constipation, dizzness and headache. In conclusion, Pulmuone $diet^{(R)}$ program seems to be safe and effective for weight reduction in normal healthy obese females.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.183-190
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• 2003

This study was designed to investigate the effects of weight control and changes in serum components using a commercial uncooked food diet on 36 obese women over a period of 8 weeks. The subjects had uncooked food (40 g) with milk or soymilk twice a day instead of meals. The mean body weight and height measurements of the subjects at the outset were 69.1 $\pm$ 9.3 kg and 159.5 $\pm$ 4.4 cm, respectively. Initial daily calorie intake was 103.6 % of RDA, but was significantly lower at 4 and 8 weeks. The subjects showed a significant reduction in weight, body fat mass (p<0.05), anthropo-metric value and skinfold thickness during the experimental period. Hip and upper thigh girth were 102.7 $\pm$ 6.4 cm and 61.7 $\pm$ 4.3 cm at the outset, and fell to 99.3 $\pm$ 5.0 cm and 58.8 $\pm$ 4.1 cm after 8 weeks. The most significant reduction was in abdomen skinfold thickness (p < 0.05) , which went from 32.4 $\pm$ 8.7 mm at first to 24.2 $\pm$ 8.3 mm in after 8 weeks. Serum albumin levels were higher at 4 and 8 weeks than initially but the figures for all of the subjects were within the normal range. Hemoglobin and blood glucose levels were also within the normal range during the experimental period. Initial serum triglyceride level was 110.5 $\pm$ 49.5 mg/dl but fell to 93.2 $\pm$ 48.5 mg/dl after 8 weeks. Our results show that uncooked foods are effective in the diet therapy of obese women.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.14-22
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• 2011

This study was designed to compare the incidence and severity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) between normal (N = 85) and overweight or obese (N = 28) college female students and investigated correlation between PMS, nutrient intake, hematological index and psychological index (depression, anxiety, stress). Each subject was asked a Menstrual Discomfort Questionnaire (MDQ) for PMS by 5 Likert scale. The PMS scores of women in the normal weight subjects ranked in order of severity were water retention (2.71), followed by behavioral change (2.58), negative affect (2.46), pain (2.31), autonomic reaction (2.27), decreased concentration (2.16). The symptoms of 'pain' and 'behavioral change' of overweight or obese subject were significantly higher than those of normal subject (p < 0.05). And total cholesterol concentration of overweight or obese subjects was significantly higher than in normal subject (p < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) between the symptoms of 'negative effect' and BMI. And the triglyceride concentration was positively related with 'water retention (p < 0.01)'. The symptoms of 'decreased concentration' were negatively correlated with calcium (p < 0.01) and vitamin B6 intake (p < 0.05). The depression score were positively related with symptoms of 'behavioral change (p < 0.05)', 'negative affect' (p < 0.01), and the anxiety score was positively correlated with 'behavioral change (p < 0.05)' and 'decreased concentration (p < 0.05)'. The stress score was positively correlated with 'decreased concentration (p < 0.01)', 'behavioral change (p < 0.05)' and 'negative affect (p < 0.05)'. This suggests that PMS represents the clinical manifestation of a calcium, vitamin $B_6$ deficiency and psychological disorder. Therefore we concluded that nutrient supplementation, depression and stress management may help to relieve PMS symptoms.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.379-391
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: We investigated the associations between eating away from home (EAFH) and overweight and obesity among Ugandan adults using the 2014 Uganda non-communicable disease risk factor survey. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In total, 3,025 participants aged 18-69 years were included in the analysis. The frequency of EAFH was assessed by asking participants the number of meals eaten per week that were not prepared at a home. EAFH frequency was categorized as; less than once/week, 1-2 times/week, or ≥ 3 times/week. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations between overweight, obesity, and EAFH. We also tested whether sex and age modified these associations. RESULTS: Participants that ate away from home ≥ 3 times/week were 2.13 times more likely to be obese than those that ate away from home less than once/week (odds ratio [OR], 2.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28-3.54). However, when the analysis was stratified by sex, women that ate away from home ≥ 3 times/week were 42% less likely to be overweight than those that ate away from home less than once/week (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.36-0.94). Men that ate away from home ≥ 3 times a week were 3.89 times and 2.23 times more likely to be obese and overweight, respectively, than those that ate away from home less than once/week (obesity: OR, 3.89; 95% CI, 1.50-10.09; overweight: OR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.42-3.51). Age-stratified analysis showed that among participants aged 31-50 years, those that ate away from home ≥ 3 times a week were 3.53 times more likely to be obese than those that ate away from home less than once/week (OR, 3.53; 95% CI, 1.69-7.37). CONCLUSIONS: Frequent EAFH was positively associated with overweight and obesity among men, and obesity among young/middle-aged adults, but negatively associated with overweight in women. Nutritional interventions for obesity reduction in Uganda should include strategies aimed at reducing the frequency of eating meals prepared away from home, and specifically target men and young/middle-aged adults.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.136-146
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• 2022

Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate weight change and analyze adverse events in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who were prescribed with Gamitaeeumjowee-tang. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for medical records of patients with PCOS, who were administered with Gamitaeeumjowee-tang for a period of 12 weeks between January 2019 and December 2021. Outcomes were total weight loss/weight loss rate, the percentage of patients who lost more than 5% and 10% of their baseline weight. Adverse events (AEs) reported by patients were evaluated by severity, causality and system-organ classes. Results: A total of sixty-seven patients were included (mean±standard deviation, Age 28.78±5.25 years, weight 76.78±12.84 kg, body mass index 29.2±4.26 kg/m²). The average total weight loss in PCOS patients was 6.57±3.07 kg and the average weight loss rate was 8.55±3.65%. The percentage of patients with more than 5% and 10% weight loss compared to their baseline weight was 86.56% and 25.37% respectively. The analysis of adverse events are as follows: Causality assessment with World Health Organization-Uppsala Monitoring Centre of AEs showed 'Unlikely' was the most common (71.7%) and severity evaluations with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events showed almost all symptoms were mild (98.9%). Conclusions: Gamitaeeumjowee-tang helps to lose weight of PCOS patients, which is overweight or obese, and no serious adverse events have occurred. Additional well-designed clinical studies are recommended.