Abstract

On the general trends of weight control for slimness, this study surveyed and compared eating attitude influenced by eating disorder, eating habits, and nutrition knowledge by obesity index in middle school girls. The purpose of this study was to investigate the eating disorders and eating habits, and analyzed these data by degree of obesity. This will provide basic information of nutrition education for adolescents who need to have proper body shape and dieting habits. This survey was conducted to one of girls' middle school in Incheon and all the data was analysed by SAS(Statistical Analysis System) program. The average height, weight and PIBW were 158.7cm, 48.2kg, and 93.9% in students. However, 50.8% of students were underweight or severely underweight. Most of female students perceived that they were normal or overweight even though they had underweight or normal. There was a significant difference in experience and intention of weight control by degree of obesity. In the overweight group, EAT-26 score tendency was high, especially preoccupation with losing weight(factor 1). It shows that obesity index had meaningful correlation with EAT-26 score and factor1. In dietary habit, overweight group showed more irregular meals tendency, and overeat frequently. On the other hand, this group had lower frequency and of smaller amount snacks. The intake frequency of meals and snacks showed in the affirmative way regardless of degree of obesity. The average score for nutrition knowledge about calorie and weight control was low. Correct answer rates were increased in higher overweight group. In conclusion, teenage girls who concerned too much about their slim body image need to be educated about accuracy concept of the body image. Also, practical and systematic nutrition education should be done for the correct nutrition knowledge and its application ability of individuals.

Keywords

• dietary habits;
• eating disorder;
• obesity index;
• middle school girls