The prevalence and risk factors of childhood obesity in elementary students in Seoul.
- Author:
Jin Bok LEE
1
;
Joung Oh LEE
;
Seong Won KIM
;
Jae Hean KANG
;
Yun Jun YANG
Author Information
1. Department of Family Medicine, Inje University, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
childhood obesity;
prevalence;
risk factor
- MeSH:
Birth Weight;
Breakfast;
Child;
Eating;
Female;
Humans;
Hypercholesterolemia;
Meat;
Obesity;
Only Child;
Parents;
Pediatric Obesity*;
Prevalence*;
Risk Factors*;
Seoul*;
Siblings;
Vegetables;
Surveys and Questionnaires
- From:Journal of the Korean Academy of Family Medicine
2000;21(7):866-875
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to provide useful information for prevention and management of childhood obesity in a school-based setting. METHODS: One thousand and 981 elementary children from 2 different elementary schools in Seoul were studied. The survey concerning the risks of childhood obesity was carried out by having parents answer a questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of childhood obesity was 18.1% showing significantly higher rate in boys than in girls (P<0.05). It was found that obese children had a higher intake of fish and meat (P<0.05) and a lower intake of vegetables compared to the non-obese group (P<0.05). Obesity was more prevalent among children who frequently skipped breakfast (P<0.05) and also more prevalent among an only child (P<0.05). The obese children significantly spent more time watching TV (P<0.05). There was a higher family history of obesity, hypercholesterolemia and DM in the obese group (P<0.05). The factors which significantly attributed to childhood obesity were birth weight, parenteral BMI, and father's age (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of childhood obesity was 18.1%. There was a statistically significant correlation between childhood obesity and gender, eating habit, time spent on watching TV, number of siblings, birth weight, parenteral BMI, father's age and family history such as obesity, hypercholesterolemia and DM.
