The Associated Factors with Obesity-related Habits and Obesity index Change

비만관련 습관 및 비만도 변화에 영향을 미치는 관련요인 분석

Obesity in children is a major concern of public health. This study was performed to illuminate its effect on weight control program and the associated factors of obesity-related habits and obesity index in primary school obese children. Weight control program consisted of behavioral modification, nutrition education and exercise during 17 weeks. The sample consisted of treatment group(n=42) and control group(n=41). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in obesity index, socioeconomic status and grade. To assess the effects of weight control program, the subjects were given pre-test and post-test such as the measurement of anthropometric values and self-reporting questionnaire. This result of this study were as follows; 1. After weight control program was applied, there was a significant decrease in obesity index among the treatment group. Obesity-related habits score of the treatment group increased significantly, While there was not much difference between the pre-test and the post-test among the control group. But exercise habit didn't increase significantly in the both groups. 2. Correlation between obesity-related habits and obesity index were not evident. 3. After application of weight control program, the factors associated with change of eating habit were children's past experience of weight control, motivational change toward weight control program and friends' support for treatment group. The factors associated with change of exercise habit were post-test motivation score and friends' support. Motivational change toward weight control and pre-test self-efficacy of exercise behavior were counter-related to exercise habit. For change of other obesity-related habits, initial obesity index, motivational change, post-test self-efficacy score of exercise behavior and paternal educational status were closely associated. But post-test self-efficacy score of eating behavior was unrelated. 4. Only the factor of experience of weight control was associated with change of obesity index. 5. For the both groups, the factors associated with change of eating habits were post-test self-efficacy of eating behavior and family's support. The factors associated with change of exercise behavior were self-efficacy changes of exercise behavior and friends' support. The factors associated with change of other obesity-related habits were self-efficacy change of eating behavior. Initial obesity index was associated with change of obesity index. 6. The rate of dropouts from weight control program was 28.6% (12/42) in treatment group. Initial obesity index, other obesity-related habits except eating exercise habits, friend's support were associated with dropout. In conclusion, these results indicated that weight control program in primary school settings was effective. Direct exercise regimen and practice was demanded. In addition to the program itself, much of the success is dependent on the degree of motivation of the children involved and support provided by their parents and friends. Further study need to be performed under the condition that the weight control progrom is applied for a longer period.