A Study on the Obesity Rate of Elementary School Students in Daejeon City Using BMI Index

대전지역 일부 초등학생들의 비만수준과 관련된 요인 - BMI 지수를 중심으로 -

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the obesity rate in elementary school students in Daejeon and the relevant factors such as social-demographical factors, genetic factors, birth factors, diet factors and intelligence factors. Methods: For the research, 443 fourth grade students, 405 fifth grade students and 417 sixth grade students from six elementary schools in Daejeon Metropolitan City Participated in this study and classified into three groups: normal-weight group, mild obesity group, and moderate or severe obesity group. Results: The total obesity rate of the elementary school students in the school district of Daejeon Metropolitan City was 14.2%; the rate of mild obesity was 7.2%; the rate of moderate obesity was 5.5%; and the rate of severe obesity was 1.5%. The obesity rate of surveyed boys was 16.9%, and the obesity rate of girls was 11.1%. The significant factors for girls' obesity were fathers' EMI, mothers' EMI, living standards, constant demand of foods, preference for greasy foods, frequency of eating snacks, and daily walking hours. It was found that students' subjective mind and objective health index were related to obesity. In the case of obese students, they had more concern about their health and more stress from the dissatisfaction of their physical appearance than normal students. Conclusions: From the above evidences, it is apparent that the obesity of elementary school students has strong relations with eating habits rather than physical activities. It is to be hoped that obesity prevention programs such as effective meal guidance. parental guidance for watching TV, and intense physical activities will be included in the curriculums of health education for elementary school students.