• 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.