Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between body mass index and the food habits of college students. For this purpose, 1030 students of Seoul National University were asked to fill out the questionnaires for the food habit and weight control. Actual weights were also measured, on the spot. The results obtained were as follows. 1. Average height and weight were 173.15 cm, 63.83 kg for male, and 160.52 cm, 52.73 kg for females. The prevalence of underweight, normal and overweight was 32.3, 61.7, 5.5%, respectively. 2. Food habit scores of obese females were lower than normal or underweight females. Male subjects did not show significantly different scores among three groups. 3. Female obese subjects have lower scores than the other groups on the balanced intake of five basic food groups and on the regular meal intakes. Male obese subjects have cholesterol-rich food and animal fat more frequently than normal and underweight males. Male underweight subjects have lower food habit scores on the balanced intake of five basic food groups. 4. Males want to gain weight slightly and females want to lose 4.65 kg weight. All females want to lose weights. Obese males and females want to lose 10 kg weights.

Keywords