• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.147-155
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• 1998

This study was carried out to investigate 192 female college students in Seoul area in order to know their dietary behavior regarding weight control, awareness of body image and weight, methods of weight control, meal volume, eating rate, frequency of eating, health score and nutritional knowledge score. Obesity was determined using body mass indes(BMI=Wt/Ht$^2$). The finding revealed that the average BMI was 19.7$\pm$ 1.94 Subjects were divided into 3 groups according to body image : lean group, moderate group and obese group, respectively. The results of this study are summarized as follows : 1) 48.9% of subjects thought they were obese, however their BMI was 20.9 2) 56.1% of subjects anted to attend a weight control program and the sources of information concerning weight control were newspapers and magazines, TV and radio in that order. 3) There were no significant difference among groups in the meal volume, frequency of eating and health score. 4) There were significant differences among groups in the eating rate and nutritional knowledge score. These results suggest that an accurate self perception of their bodies, and nutritional education are important for female college students.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.628-638
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• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Numerous school-based weight control programs have been initiated for weight loss among adolescents. However, the relationship between these programs and inappropriate weight control efforts, dietary habits and behavior of students, have not been investigated sufficiently. This study was undertaken to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) of adolescents, and their health status and inappropriate weight-control efforts. We further examined the relationship between attendance to school-based weight-control programs and attempting inappropriate weight-control efforts, dietary habits, and behavior. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A survey of 1,742 students was conducted in Korea. Logistic regression was used to assess differences in the health status (grouped by BMI and improper weight control) and dietary habits, based on attendance to the weight-control programs. RESULTS: Obese students were significantly more dissatisfied with physical, mental and spiritual health. Students who attended weight-control programs were likely to be underweight (P < 0.001), whereas those who did not attend weight-control programs were likely to attempt weight control improperly (P < 0.001). Students who participated in the program also had relatively healthy dietary habits (P < 0.001-0.027), and students who did not attend had comparatively unhealthy dietary habits (P < 0.001-0.008). Students who attended weight-control programs were likely to be underweight (P < 0.001) with relatively healthy dietary habits (P < 0.001-0.027), whereas students who did not attend the programs were likely to attempt weight control improperly (P < 0.001) and had comparatively unhealthy dietary habits (P < 0.001-0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Attending school-based weight-control programs was significantly associated with not attempting inappropriate weight-control efforts, as well as following healthy dietary habits. Our data indicates that offering school-based weight-control programs is valuable to student health, and is anticipated to reducing the public health burden.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.31 no.2 s.61
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• pp.199-214
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• 1998

This study was undertaken to explain weight control behavior and intention of obese children and adolescents as measured by the elements of the health belief model. A total of 732 obese students from 28 schools in Seoul metropolitan area and their mothers were assessed with a self-administered questionnaire. The analyzed results are as follows; 1. Among obese students, 45.3% of male students and 57.2% of female students, a significantly higher portion than male students, reported that they had tried to lose weight within the recent year. Exercise was the most frequently used method to lose weight followed by diet control, drug use, and specialized clinic visits, in descending order. 2. Male students were more likely to try to lose weight if they perceived a low threat level and their mother had a job, and female students were more likely to try to lose weight if they were younger in age, perceived a low threat level and had strong external motivating factors. 3. Female students showed a significantly higher level of intention to obesity control than male students, and the intention level of their mothers also showed the same trend. 4. In male students, the degree of weight dissatisfaction, weight control experience, the level of obesity related beliefs of students, the educational level of the mother and economic status of the family were significant predictors of intention to obesity control, and in females, age, the level of obesity related beliefs of students and intention of their mothers were significant. In the mothers of male students, obesity index of students, age of the mother and the level of obesity related beliefs of the mother were significant predictors of intention of the mother, and in the mothers of female students, obesity index of students, occupational status of the mother and obesity related beliefs of the mother were significant. 5. According to the path model of intention to obesity control, the degree of weight dissatisfaction had the most powerful effect in male students, and perceived net benefit level was the most important variable in female students. Since the weight control behavior and intention of obese students were more predictable by the degree of weight dissatisfaction than the obesity index, we can conclude that only the students dissatisfied with their weight are well motivated for obesity control. There can be a discrepancy between the mother and her child's beliefs and intention status(especially in male students), so the therapists should also assess the student's opinion as well as the mother's. In female students, the perceived net benefit level wag the most important predictor of intention to obesity control, therefore the intervention program should pay particular attention to the positive benefits of weight control rather than negative aspects(threats) of obesity.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.759-770
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• 2012

Purpose: This ethnography was done to explore patterns of weight management behavior among adults using obesity clinics. Methods: The participants were 12 adults who were overweight or obese and 2 family members. Data were collected from iterative fieldwork in the obesity clinics of two hospitals. Data were analyzed using text analysis and taxonomic methods. Results: Weight management behaviors among participants varied according to the recognition of the body and motivation for weight control, Participants' behavior was discussed in the socio-cultural context of obesity. Patterns of weight management behavior among participants were categorized by focus: strategic self-oriented type including managements for the body as a social asset and for health, selective neglect type, and passive group value-oriented type including type dependent on others and managements for beauty. Conclusion: Participants' weight management behavior was guided by folk concepts of body and health. and constructed within the socio-cultural context. It is necessary for health care providers to understand physical and psychological problems arising from the repeated trials, excessive control of weight, and Western cultural discourse on beauty ideals among adults who are overweight or obese. Therefore, interventions should be tailored to address individual and community needs.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.720-733
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• 2012

This study was conducted to investigate the eating habits, self-perception of body image, and weight control behavior in Korean adolescents by gender. Data pertaining to 70,809 subjects(male 37,090, female 33,719) were obtained from the sixth Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey(2010). The rate of skipping breakfast was 42.5% in male, and 45.8% in female students. The intake frequency of vegetable, milk, soda, fast food, and instant noddles was higher in male than female students. Moreover, 33% of male and 31.9% of female students considered themselves to be somewhat or very obese. Notably, 2.3% of underweight students considered themselves to be obese. Weight control measures were practiced in 44.6% of male, and 54.6% of female students. Meal restrictions were used more frequently to control weight by females, while exercise was used more by males. The perceived stress level was higher in female than male students, especially that due to appearance. Therefore, integrated and personalized high school nutrition programs according to gender should be implemented to establish proper body image perception and eating habits, as well as to develop selfesteem.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.331-347
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to explore how the Theory of Planned Behavior applies to five appearance management behaviors and the effects of three variables - attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavior control on appearance management behaviors. The research was conducted by surveying 410 female adult respondents between the ages of 20 to 40 with the goal of predicting the appearance management behavior of women. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 19.0 and Amos 19 in addition to Frequency analysis and path analysis. In the first case, the potential for applying appearance management theory on appearance management behavior of women was observed. The appearance management behavior performed by women was classified into five categories: skin care behavior, makeup management behavior, apparel management behavior, hair care behavior, and weight management behavior. It was determined all five behaviors could be predicted by applying the Theory of Planned Behavior. In the second case, effects of attitude related to subjective norm and perceived behavior control related to skin care behavior was statistically significant. In terms of makeup management behavior, all of the three variables were statistically significant. With regard to apparel management behavior, only subjective norm behavior was statistically significant. Concerning hair care behavior, attitude and perceived behavior control were statistically significant. On weight management behavior only attitude was statistically significant.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.23-36
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• 2021

Objectives: This study sought to assess the prevalence and duration of weight-control or health functional food use, associated weight-control behavior, perception, and knowledge among university students. Methods: The subjects were 442 university students in Cheonju, Korea, and data was collected by a self-administered questionnaire. Both χ2 and t-tests were conducted for categorical and mean comparisons. Results: An estimated 62.7% (female 69.0%, male 54.8%) had ever attempted weight-control. Among these, an estimated 59.2% of females and 38.9% of males had used weight-control or health functional foods with significant gender difference. The weight-control foods commonly used included chicken breast, protein powder, low-fat milk and soymilk, and meal replacement drinks, while garcinia cambogia extract and green tea extract were frequently used as health functional foods. One of 10 (10.3%) consumers of weight-control foods reported ≥ 7 months use, with less frequent long-term consumption of health functional foods (4.2%). The average degree of satisfaction was 3.24 ± 0.92 for weight-control foods and 2.72 ± 0.97 for health functional foods on a 5-point scale, meaning 'slightly satisfied' and 'slightly dissatisfied', respectively. Females or students with an experience of weight-control reported poorer perceptions of their health and body image as well as a higher need for weight control. Besides, both male and female subjects felt a high need for correct information regarding weight-control methods. Conclusions: Our results provide a better understanding of the characteristics associated with the use of weight-control or health functional foods among university students and will be useful in developing a nutrition education program by incorporating correct body image, knowledge, and practical yet desirable practices for weight control.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.163-175
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• 2001

The purpose of this study is to collect fundamental data for weight control education based on obesity, weight control practices and body image in female college students. Those surveyed were 364 female college students attending universities in Seoul, Kyoung-Gi and Chung Cheung Buk Do. The data were collected from June 1, 1999 to September 10, 1999. The resulting data are as follows: 1. The mean BMI of the female college students was 19.78:t1.87kg/$\textrm{m}^2$, which comes within the range of normal weight. Underweight, normal weight and overweight students were respectively 27.2%, 66.8% and 5.5%. As many as 7.1% of the underweight students and 42.8% of the normal weight students described themselves as being "fatty". 2. Of these subjects, 83.5% reported wanting to lose weight, and the primary reason of weight control was to improve their appearance. The mean weight that they wanted to lose was 5.2$\pm$2.7kg, and 68.7% of the respondents had tried to lose weight. Among them, the most frequently reported weight control behavior was dieting followed by exercise, 30% reported fasting, 3.6% reported using drugs, 4.4% reported smoking and 3.6% reported vomiting. As to the weight loss effect, 96.7% of the subjects used behavior modification, 82.5% of the students exercised, and 76.1% of the dieters reported they had lost weight. 3. As to body image, many female college students were dissatisfied with their body figures, especially thighs(70.3%), hips(60.4%), abdomens(60.2%), and weight(55.2%). The body image of the students that perceived themselves as "fatty" was the lowest. 4. There were significant differences in the mean weight that they wanted to lose and the weight control attempts according to weight perception. Those that perceived themselves as "fatty" wanted to lose more weight, and had more weight control experiences. In conclusion, attempts at weight control are common in the female college students and many students appear to be dissatisfied with their body shapes. It is important to educate about healthy weight control methods and raise their awareness of the positive body image.ss of the positive body image.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.28 no.8
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• pp.759-770
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• 1995

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of weight control by use of commercial formula diet and nutrition education on 36 obese women over a period of 6 months. During the study it motivated ways for women to control their weight and improve their health, thus analyzing variables that influence weight control. To help weight control, for the first 3 weeks, along with 1 regular mea, 2-3 liquid formula diets of 135㎉ per pack a day were provided within the 1,200-800㎉ range. For 6 months since then, all 3 meals were taken regularly and it was recommended that energy which is 500㎉ less than energy requirement be taken. To evaluate the effect of weight change by the weight control program, anthropometric measurements, biochemicl parameter, and food behavior are measured. The mean body mass index(BMI) was 30.1$\pm$3.8(25.0-43.6) and it was in the upper 5 percentile of the mean BMI of Korean women. The percent of body fat was significantly reduced from 29.1$\pm$2.4 to 26.4$\pm$2.3, showing that the weight control program induced not only a change in weight but also a change in body composition. The body circumference such as waist and hip circumference and skinfold thickness measurements of biceps, triceps, subscapular and surprailiac were reduced significantly, but the mean waist-to-hip ratio didn't change. Singnificantly improved food behavior score measured by the questionnaire indicated that the weight-contorl program induced the change of the food behavior, as well. Weight loss also induced biochemical parameters of the subject, thus total cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol, and triglycerol which were in the high range of the normal values were reduced to 20.2%(p<0.01), 22.2%(p<0.01), 25.8%(p<0.01), repectively. HDL-cholesterol didn't change significantly, but the ratio of HDL to total cholesterol increased(p<0.01).

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.245-255
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• 2002

This study was designed to investigate body image, objective and subjective measurements of body size and shape, eating behavior, and weight control practices in 650 Korean adolescent girls; 500 of the subjects were 14 years old and enrolled in middle schools, while the remaining 150 were 17 years old and enrolled in high schools. Subjects responded anonymously to a self-administered questionnaire. The results showed that average height and weight of the subjects were 157cm and 49.5kg, respectively, while subjects ideal heights and weights averaged 164cm and 48kg, respectively. The ideal adult body heights and weights proposed by the subjects averaged 172cm and 55kg respectively. Over 50% of the subjects were dissatisfied with their body image; the degree of dissatisfaction with body image was higher in those who believed themselves to be fat. Most of the subjects wanted to lose weight and had tried to lose weight. Self-reported weight control practice methods included reducing food intake (31.9%), skipping meals (29.6%), exercise (25.8%), using slimming machines (6.9%), and using diet pills (5.1%). The heavier the subjects weight was, the greater the difference between the subjective and objective evaluations of body size. The body image scores of subjects who perceived themselves as fat were significantly lower than those of subjects who perceived themselves as normal or underweight. The difference between subjective and objective evaluations of body size, and the degree of obesity, were significantly higher in those subjects who had experience of weight control than those who had no experience of weight control. These results suggest that nutrition and health education programs for adolescent girls should be researched and implemented in order to establish a more realistic body image, positive habits in weight control, and healthful eating habits.