• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.47-59
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• 2012

Objectives: This study was conducted to observe recent changes in adolescents' dietary behavior and indirectly evaluate the effects of the government's nutritional policies in Korea. Methods: We analyzed the secular trends in seven dietary behaviors using the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey data from 2005 to 2009. Through literature review, we included the policies implemented for the improvement of adolescents' dietary behaviors during the same periods. Results: The significant linear trends were observed in all dietary behaviors (p<0.05). Overall, all behaviors except the fruit intake rate were desirably changed during five years but undesirable changes were observed between 2008 and 2009 in all behaviors. Within those periods, several policies were implemented including 'Ban on carbonated-beverages in school', 'Green Food Zone', etc. Despite confirmed evidence of their effects, the policies on individual behavior such as nutrition education didn't influence the prevalence of dietary behaviors because they were conducted to too limited persons. Polices on the school environmental improvement, such as ban on carbonated beverage in school, were more effective because they decreased the exposure of undesirable food environment. However, for effect of Green Food Zone improving community environment we couldn't come to a conclusion because of too short period after full implementation. Conclusions: Among government nutrition policies conducted from 2005 to 2009, those on environmental improvement, especially in school, were more effective than those on individual behavior. Therefore, the development and implement of policies on school environmental improvement are needed in Korea.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.297-304
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• 2017

Although adolescents' obesity prevalence increases recently in Korea due to Westernized dietary life, according to social and economic development, and physical activity decline, distorted body image and improper dietary habits are prevalent, because of excessive obsession with weight control, deriving from psychological impacts including appearance supremacy. This study conducted a survey on health oriented awareness and attitude related with dietary habits targeting adolescents, such as high school students and college students, younger than 24, from May 11 to May 29, 2015. In this study, 280 questionnaire copies were collected out of 300 distributed questionnaire copies, and used 269 copies as analysis data, except 11 copies of which responses were inadequate. The results of this study are as follows: First, the high school students showed higher dietary regularity than the college students. Especially, 95.5% of the college students showed very high irregularity of lunch, compared with just 4.5% of the high school students. Second, the adolescents showed distorted perceived body image in comparison with body mass index (BMI). As a result of examining BMI relationship, according to one's own perception on body type, 28.6% of the respondents perceived themselves fat, despite normal BMI, and 40.4% of the respondents perceived themselves normal, despite low BMI. Third, health behavior activities level was higher, as the regularity of breakfast (B=1.093), lunch, (B=0.650), and dinner (B=0.765) was higher. The variable affecting the most ( ${\beta}=0.372$) was the regularity of breakfast. As interest in weight control was higher, health behavior activities was lower. Because over-interest in weight control may be linked with improper dietary habits or weight control, a caution is needed. The results of this study are expected to be utilized as the basic data for the policy and health-oriented program development to improve adolescents' health behavior practice.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.444-451
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• 2000

This study was conducted to investigate how body size and weight control experience affect the nutrient intakes and the health status of adolescent females. The survey was carried out by self-questionnaires with 463 female high school and college students in Daegu. Analysis of data was done by using a t-test, and ANOVA with the SAS computer program. The average height, weight and BMI of the subjects were 161.2 cm, 53.4 kg, and 20.51 kg/$m^2$ respectively. However, 25.1% of the subjects belonged to the underweight group when we divided the subjects into 3 groups- underweight, normal-weight, overweight-according to their present body size. The average Fe intake of the subjects was less than 50% of the Korean recommended dietary allowances. The dietary intakes of energy and Vit. A were significantly higher in the underweight group than in other groups. However, no significant differences among body size groups were observed in the dietary habit score and the nutritional knowledge score. It also appeared that the dietary habit score and the nutritional knowledge score of the weight control attemptees were worse than those of the non-attemptees. The physical health status of the subjects significantly differed according to weight control experience, and the psychological health status of the subjects differed with present body size. The physical health condition of the weight control attemptees was worse than the non-attemptees. and the psychological health condition of the overweight group was worse than other groups. The results indicated that unnecessary weight control in adolescent females induces unhealthy food behavior which is linked to undesirable health status.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.299-306
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• 2002

This study was undertaken to compare the obesity related dietary factors among rural middle school students living in the Daegu.Kyungbuk area. Anthropometric data showed that mean height and weight were 162.7$\pm$8.6cm and 53.9$\pm$9.8kg in 220 male students and 158.4$\pm$6.2cm and 51.0$\pm$7.6kg in 210 female student. Mean BMIs for boys and girls were 19.00$\pm$2.35 and 19.30$\pm$2.45, respectively. 71.36% of male students and 71.9% of female students were underweight by the BMI index. Students who skipped the breakfast were up to 66.8%. The reasons for skipping a meal for both sexes were significantly different. Compared to males, more female respondents felt guilty and depressed related to eating. Furthermore, females were more significantly concerned about body image, diet and body weight (p<0.001), and they were not satisfied with their weight. The sources of information on obesity and diet were radio and TV in males, while females gathered information from magazines and friends. The ideal body weight of male students was heavier than the actual body weight while female students desired a thinner body shape. In conclusion, a different approach for nutrition education based on sex should be developed, and implemented fur adolescents.

• Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.299-308
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• 2018

Objectives: We aimed to examine health-related nutritional knowledge and dietary behavior related to caffeine intake among high school students (n = 310) in the Yongin region of Korea. Methods: Data were collected using a face-to-face survey, and analyzed using chi-square test, t- test, and logistic regression analysis. Results: The level of caffeine intake in respondents was divided into low (< 30 mg/d; n = 208) and high caffeine intake groups (> 30 mg/d; n = 102). Total nutritional knowledge related to bone disease was higher in the low intake group (score 2.75) than the high intake group (score 2.39; p < 0.05). The high intake group had lower scores for nutritional knowledge (score 0.70; p < 0.05) related to how caffeinated beverages affect sleep and for dietary behavior (score 3.25; p < 0.001), based on "I avoid caffeinated foods before sleep," than the low intake group (nutritional knowledge score, 0.80; dietary behavior score, 3.76). Conclusion: In the overall analysis, the low caffeine intake group had better nutritional knowledge related to bone and sleep health, and healthier dietary behavior related to sleep health compared with the high intake group.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.363-375
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• 2023

Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with adolescent obesity, as well as any new factors that correlated with a change in the rate of obesity over time. Methods: The study used 5-yearly data collected by the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey starting from the year 2006 up until 2021 (data from 2nd, 7th, 11th, and 17th surveys were analyzed). Factors such as demographics, dietary factors, health behavioral factors, and mental health factors were studied. All data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 27.0, employing chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: This study included data from a total of 255,200 participants. Factors contributing to obesity varied with time. Over the survey duration of 15 years, low academic achievement, parents with low levels of education, low frequency of fruit consumption, low frequency of fast food intake, long periods of being seated, and high levels of stress were significantly associated with a high rate of obesity. Factors that showed a new correlation with an increase in obesity rates included living with single parents, low frequency of muscle strengthening exercises, and experiencing intense sadness and despair in the past year. Factors that were correlated with a change in obesity rates over time included household economic status, frequency of carbonated beverage consumption, frequency of intense physical activity, and frequency of alcohol consumption. Breakfast intake and smoking were not significantly associated with obesity rates in the 15-year period. Conclusions: While several factors associated with obesity remained consistent over time, several new factors have emerged in response to social, economic, and environmental changes contributed to a change in obesity rate over time. Therefore, to prevent and manage adolescent obesity, continuous research into the new emergent factors contributing to obesity is needed.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.142-157
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a nutrition quotient for adolescents (NQ-A) to assess overall dietary quality and food behavior of Korean adolescents. Methods: Development of the NQ-A was undertaken in three steps: item generation, item reduction, and validation. Candidate items of the NQ-A checklist were selected based on literature reviews, results of the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, dietary guidelines for Korean adolescents, expert in-depth interviews, and national nutrition policies and recommendations. A total of 213 middle and high school students participated in a one-day dietary record survey and responded to 41 items in the food behavior checklist. Pearson's correlation coefficients between the responses to the checklist items along with nutritional status of the adolescents were calculated. Item reduction was performed, and 24 items were selected for the nation-wide survey. A total of 1,547 adolescents from 17 cities completed the checklist questionnaire. Exploratory factor and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to develop a final NQ-A model. Results: Nineteen items were finalized as the checklist items for the NQ-A. Checklist items were composed of five factors (balance, diversity, moderation, environment, and practice). The five-factor structure accounted for 47.2% of the total variance. Standardized path coefficients were used as weights of the items. The NQ-A and five-factor scores were calculated based on the obtained weights of the questionnaire items. Conclusion: Nutrition Quotient for adolescents (NQ-A) would be a useful instrument for evaluating dietary quality and food behavior of Korean adolescents. Further research on NQ-A is needed to reflect changes in adolescent's food behavior and environment.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.125-139
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• 2024

This study assessed the beauty care behavior and the dietary attitudes, eating behaviors, and dietary quality related to beauty care in accordance with the level of interest in beauty care by examining 558 female high school subjects in the Incheon area. The study aimed to identify the interest in beauty care on the part of adolescent girls that impacts their dietary life and provide basic data for nutrition education forming desirable dietary habits. The interest in beauty care on the part of female high school students is relevant to dietary life and dietary attitude, with the high-level interest group attempting to use diet foods more frequently and attempting weight control because of their low satisfaction with their body type. On the other hand, a high level of interest in appearance failed to lead to the practice of a varied and balanced dietary life. Therefore, nutritional education is necessary to avoid a high level of interest in beauty care, leading to an incorrect perception of body shape and excessive weight control. Furthermore, nutrition education is necessary to link interest in appearance to the beauty of a healthy body based on nutritional balance by connecting the interest in appearance to a varied and balanced dietary life that goes beyond the category of practice.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.40-49
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• 1999

This study was conducted with 20 female gymnasts and 23 age-matched controls to examine pattern, weight control behavior and nutritional status. Most gymnasts(95.0%) reported that they used weight-control methods, while relatively few age-matched controls employed these methods. These methods included sauna(95.0%), food restriction(90.0%), excess exercise (70.0%), laxative abuse(10%) and use of diet pills(10%). Gymnasts had significantly (p<0.05) lower scores for statements related to 'sneaking food', 'vomiting after overeating', showing more negative eating behavior than age-matched controls. Energy intake of gymnasts was 968.9$\pm$421.4kcal while energy expenditure was 2,091$\pm$361kcal, showing negative evergy balance(-1,1225$\pm$534.6kcal). Female gymnasts consumed less than 70% of the RDA for protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, which reflects their low energy intake. The average intakes of calcium, iron, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin did not meet the recommended dietary allowances for their age groups. Adolescent athletes who train vigorously and consume a low-energy diet may be exposed to an increase in potential health risks. Therefore, individuals who advise athletic adolescents regarding training and dietary habits need to emphasize the importance of consuming an appropriate energy intake to support performance as well as growth and development. The sports nutritionist is in a position to convey such information to coaches, physicians, parents and to the athletes themselves.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.156-170
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• 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between how often Korean adolescents watch Mukbang and Cookbang videos and their dietary habits. Methods: Data from the 18th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted in 2022 was analyzed for this study. The study included 51,850 middle and high school students and assessed various aspects, including demographics, frequency of watching Mukbang and Cookbang videos per week, dietary habits, health behaviors, and mental health factors. Results: Nearly a third (29.3%) of Korean adolescents watched Mukbang and Cookbang videos one to four times a week, while 13.5% watched them more than five times weekly. Females, those with lower academic achievement, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were significantly more likely to be frequent viewers (P < 0.001). Increased viewing frequency was associated with poorer dietary habits. Adolescents who watched more frequently were less likely to eat breakfast and consume fruits and milk, while their consumption of fast food, high-caffeine drinks, sugary drinks, and late-night snacks increased (P < 0.001). Higher viewing frequency correlated with increased feelings of stress, depression, and loneliness (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis confirmed these associations. More frequent viewers were significantly less likely to eat breakfast (odds ratio (OR), 0.63; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.58-0.68), and more likely to consume fast food (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.69-2.02), high-caffeine drinks (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.30-1.56), sugary drinks (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.41-1.67), and late-night snacks (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.25-1.51). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that frequent exposure to Mukbang and Cookbang content is linked to unhealthy dietary habits in adolescents. Educational programs may be necessary to mitigate the potential for these videos to negatively influence dietary choices.