OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to compare dietary habits, weight control behaviors, eating disorder risk and depression among middle school girls who were at various stages of dieting. METHODS: Subjects were 391 girls attending a middle school in Kyeonggido, Korea. All the information was gathered by self-administered questionnaires. Eating disorder risk and depression were assessed using EAT-26 and PHQ-9, respectively. Data were compared among 4 groups; no interest in a diet (N=112), had experienced dieting (N=86), on diet currently (N=71), and plan to diet (N=122). RESULTS: A higher number of students currently on diet tended to be unsatisfied with their own weight (p < 0.01), overestimated their weight (p < 0.05), and weighed own body frequently (p < 0.001), compared to those with only experienced dieting in the past or those who plan to diet, despite similar weights and body mass index. The students who experienced dieting in the past or those who plan to diet appeared to have several undesirable as well as desirable dietary habits and their risk of eating disorder was significantly more prevalent compared to those without an interest in dieting (p < 0.01), although significantly less prevalent compared to those currently on a diet. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that unnecessary dieting is common among middle school girls and providing proper education with regard to healthy weights is needed to enhance their physical as well as psychological wellbeing.
Body Mass Index ; Depression* ; Diet* ; Feeding and Eating Disorders ; Education ; Feeding Behavior* ; Female ; Food Habits* ; Gyeonggi-do ; Humans ; Korea ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Weights and Measures

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between Korean lifestyle characteristics and health status and to identify the variables influencing health in Korea. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational design was used to explore the lifestyle characteristics and health status of 397 Korean adults. Correlational analysis calculated the correlation between lifestyle and health status. To examine the relationship among demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and health status we used the t-test and one-way ANOVA. Stepwise multiple regression was conducted to examine the significant predictors of general health among subjects. RESULTS: Positive correlations were seen between general health (GH) and the overall score and subscales of the Lifestyle. The stepwise regression model showed that vitality (VA), body pain (BP), nutrition, and occupation were significant variables influencing general health (GH). CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide evidence regarding the lifestyle patterns and healthstatus among Koreans. When planning intervention strategies for this population, exercise and physical activity should be principal focus areas.
Adult* ; Humans ; Korea ; Life Style* ; Motor Activity ; Occupations ; Quality of Life*