• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.273-284
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• 2009

Purpose: The study examined obesity conditions and related factors in middle aged Korean women who had been diagnosed as obese based body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference (WC) measurement. Presently, BMI alone, WC alone, or BMI + WC were used as obesity measures. Methods: Subjects were 488 women 40~64 years of age living in one city, Korea. Structured questionnaires concerning general characteristics, health behavior practices, and chronic disease history were completed by each subject. Results: The proportions of obesity were 42.4% by BMI, 39.3% by WC, and 51.3% by the combination of both measurements. Chi-square test revealed significant associations of obesity with age, education level, menopausal status, frequency of excessive eating, and history of diabetes mellitus or hypertension. These associations were similar for the three measurement schemes. There was significant positive relationship between BMI and WC, whereas the relationship between BMI and WHR (waist-hip ratio) was not significant. Conclusions: The combination of BMI and WC measurement may be a valid way to evaluate the obesity status in middle-aged women. Developing an obesity management program that includes control of excessive eating, and consideration of menopausal status and history of chronic diseases would be prudent.

• 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.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.196-204
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• 2018

The purpose of this study is to provide basic data for the oral health and obesity management of adults by grasping the relationship between obesity and oral health. Among the patients who visited the dental clinic, 229 patients who agreed to fill out questionnaires were analyzed by self - filling questionnaire. Body mass index and waist circumference were used for the study of obesity. Body mass index and poor periodontal health status were significantly higher(33.3%) and abdominal obesity and poor periodontal health status were 10.9%.Abdominal obesity was significantly higher(28.6%) in the group with less than 20 teeth. Body mass index and abdominal obesity were higher in body pain, psychological discomfort, physical abilities, psychological abilities, social disadvantage, and oral health than in normal subjects. As a result of correlation analysis with obesity index, it was found that the more period of obesity, the more periodontal disease and mucosal state related symptoms appeared(p<0.05). Therefore, in order to solve health problems such as obesity, it is necessary to recognize the importance of oral health and to make efforts to induce positive oral health behavior.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.279-288
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• 2006

The role of free radicals in the progression of many diseases and aging has been given a great attention and total antioxidant status (TAS) has shown to be reduced with aging. The incidence of hypertension has shown to be relatively high in the aged population, and it is known to be associated with increased obesity and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to examine the obesity indices and the total antioxidant status in hypertensive elderly (64y$\alpha$-tocopherol, $\beta$-carotene and ascorbic acid did not show their significant correlations with TAS. These results showed that the hypertensive elderly are prone to be obese and to have increased TAS. Due to unknown factors affecting TAS values, measurement of plasma TAS as a sole indicator of total antioxidant capacity is limited to fully understanding changes in the body's free radical trapping power. However, the results from the current study may suggest that hypertension and/or obesity might increase oxidative stress, followed by increased the body's total antioxidant defense system.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.64 no.11
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• pp.552-558
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• 2021

The food shortage in North Korea is a serious situation that has spanned the mid-1990s to today. North Korean refugee children, even those born in North Korea, China, or South Korea, had poor nutritional status at birth; thus, their growth and nutritional status should be continuously monitored. This review focused on the health status of North Korean children and the nutritional status of North Korean refugee children upon settling in South Korea. Immediately after entering South Korea, North Korean refugee children were shorter and lighter than South Korean children and had a serious nutritional status. Over time, their nutrition status improved, but they remained shorter and lighter than South Korean children. A new obesity problem was also observed. Therefore, it is necessary to continuously monitor their growth and nutritional status.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.344-350
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• 2006

The study aims to examine whether regular leisure activity of the elderly with active and passive types has a beneficial effect to enhance their health condition. The elderly subjects of 164 (82 of elderly who do active leisure and 82 of elderly who do passive leisure) aged over 60 years in Suwon area were employed. Survey questionnaires were administered to investigate general characteristics, life style, and health status along with anthropometric measurement. From the findings, the elderly who do active leisure were highly educated and better in living status. The elderly who do passive leisure showed higher drinking and smoking rates as well as higher obesity and overweight rates in comparison to the other counterpart. Furthermore, the elderly who do passive leisure were poor in health status. 'Painful knee and eye', 'lower back pain', and 'fatigue' were the most prevalent among subjective symptoms of the elderly. In conclusion, the elderly with active leisure activity seemed to have better life style and maintain good health status. Therefore, it is critically important to establish the health program combined with various leisure activity for the seniors to promote and energize the later years of life.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.725-739
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• 2006

This study was performed to assess socioeconomic status and physical health status of middle-aged men ($40's{\sim}60's$) in Ganghwa country. We interviewed 1,267 middle-aged men (602 male, 665 female) by trained interviewers using structured questionnaires including demographic information, general health status, and anthro-pometric measurements. And all the data were analyzed by chi-square test, Student's t-test and one-way ANOVA using SPSS 12.0 version at p<0.05. These results were that males were higher than females in educational levels (p = 0.000) and most of them decreased according to age in educational levels (p =0.000) and family income (p =0.000), and prevalence of chronic diseases (p =0.000): stomach-duodenum disease, fracture, arthritis, or hypertension. They took to the health information on TV and radio and their health managing methods were exercise and walking and resting and diet regulation. Body Mass Index (BMI) was decreased in oder males (p =0.024) but increased in older females (p=0.001). In females, obesity prevalence of 40's, 50's and 60's was 31.3%. 49.7% and 48.0%, respectively. Waist circumference was the highest in 50's males (p=0.015), but hip circumference was the highest in 50's females (p =0.015). Waist-hip ratio (WHR) increased in older males (p = 0.028) and females (p= 0.000). In spite of the subjects were engaged in agriculture and fishery and had desirable lifestyles obesity rate especially abdominal obesity, was the serious problem. Socioeconomic status, especially education and income were related to SRH (p=0.006, p=0.000), chronic disease (p=0.000) and BMI (p=0.028, p=0.000). Therefore, it is necessary that the public health policy and nutrition education programs to alter lifestyles and to improve health preservation and health promotion in the farming and fishing communities.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.191-206
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• 2017

Objectives: The present study systematically reviewed previous studies published in Korea regarding obesity status of children and adolescents in order to provide valid directions for future research and to help establish evidence-based prevention strategies. Methods: The articles were selected by searching the primary keyword 'obesity' and the secondary keywords 'children', 'young children', 'adolescents' or 'kids' on the KISS (Korean Studies Information Service System). Out of 503 articles excluding the overlap, 308 articles were selected with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Secular trends of obesity research, distribution of subjects, potential risk factors for obesity, and intervention method for obesity management were documented. The associations between obesity and dietary factors were summarized. Results: The overall number of research studies has increased since 2000 but obesity management studies have decreased in recent years. Most of the studies used a cross-sectional design. Research on preschool children were extremely limited. Intervention studies targeting males were prevalent. The most significant variables relevant to dietary habits were speed of eating, regular breakfast and snacking. The most significant food and nutrient intake factors were thiamin and iron. Intakes of cereals and animal foods were significantly higher in obese children than the counterparts. Conclusions: The present review of locally published articles on the obesity status in children and adolescents suggested the need for well-designed further studies focused on risk factors of obesity and on a range of intervention methods conducive to the development of obesity prevention and management programs.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.31-35
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• 2014

As with humans, overweight or obesity is a major health concern in the companion animal population. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey of dog owners attending primary small animal veterinary practices from different areas in Chuncheon, Kangwon province, Korea was undertaken to explore the relationships between socioeconomic and other relevant risk factors associated with canine obesity. In addition, the author was to estimate the prevalence of obesity compared to published literatures for dogs. Owners were asked about dog age, neuter status, feeding habits, dog exercise, household income and owner age. The body condition score (BCS) of the dogs was also assessed. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to assess the association between BCS and potential risk factors controlling for confounding variables, using odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 275 dogs (136 males and 139 females) aged 1-12 years (mean age $5.6{\pm}3.7$ years) were surveyed in 2013. Of these, 46.9% of dogs (n = 129) were classed as an ideal body shape (BCS = 3), 30.9% (n = 85) were overweight (BCS = 4), 8.4% (n = 23) were obese (BCS = 5) and 13.8% (n = 38) were underweight (BCS = 1 or 2). Neutered males and spayed females had the highest prevalence of obesity (43.4% and 33.9%); intact females had the lowest prevalence of obesity (31.6%). In univariable model, risk factors associated with canine obesity are multifactorial and include owner income, owner age, age of dog, neuter status, frequency of feeding per day, frequency of snacks and consultation with veterinarian on dog's weight. In final multivariable logistic regression model, dogs whose owners reported no consultation with veterinarians for weight management were significantly more likely to be obesity than ideal (OR = 7.6, 95% CI, 4.2-13.8; p < 0.0001). This study showed a high prevalence of obesity in domestic companion dogs. Since this was a cross-sectional study with small samples, the association of canine obesity with risk factors warrants more research. To the author's best knowledge, this is the first Korean study on dog body condition and obesity.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.421-433
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• 2020

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between periodontitis, obesity, and health behavior according to sex and age in Korean adults. Methods: Data on 11,032 adults aged 19-79 years were obtained from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHNES). We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to test for associations. Results: The final model that was adjusted for demographic characteristics and health status, showed a higher risk of periodontitis with increasing body mass index (BMI), smoking, failure to use oral care products, and no dental check up. In the sub-group analysis, only smoking was significant in the 19 to 39-year-old age groups. In the 40 to 64-year-old age group, a BMI of 30 or higher, and smoking, use of oral care products, and dental check-up were significantly associated with periodontitis. In the female group, BMI, smoking, use of oral care products, and dental check-up were significantly related to periodontitis. However, in males, only smoking was significant. Conclusions: Obesity management can be helpful for periodontal health as periodontitis prevalence in adults increased as BMI increased. For periodontal health, an oral health program should include smoking cessation and the use of oral care products and dental check up as part of obesity management.