Comparative Analysis on Meal and Food Preference between Non-obese and Obese Elementary School Children

Abstract This study was carried out to find out differences about meal conditions and food preference between non-obese and obeseelementary school children. Ten children(non-obese 5 and obese 5) from each of the nationwide 192 schools were surveyed byself-developed questionnaire. Total of 1,767 questionnaires(815 from non-obese and 952 from obese children) were collectedand data were analyzed using SPSS 12.0 program. The results of the comparative analysis were summarized as follows. Therewas not significantly different in height between non-obese group(151.0‚12.5cm) and obese group(151.2‚12.3cm). But BMIwas significant difference between non-obese group(18.0‚2.2cm) and obese group(27.3‚3.2cm). Economical status was notsignificantly different between 2 groups. But educational level of parents and mother’ job were significant differences between 2groups. Only 2/3 of the subjects reported to have breakfast at regular basas, regularity of having breakfast was not significantlydifferent between 2 groups. Also regularity of having lunch during vacation was not significantly different between 2 groups. ButReasons of skipping breakfast and lunch were significantly different between 2 groups. Regularity of having dinner, reasons ofskipping dinner, intake amount in dinner, and frequency of having snacks were significantly different between 2 groups. But thetime required for lunch and dinner were under 20 minutes of 60-80% of the subjects, and were not significantly differentbetween 2 groups. Non-obese group have liked fast foods, fruits & juices, sweets, and cakes & cookies than obese group. Obesegroup have liked meat & meat products and ramyeon, but they have not eaten those foods frequently because of anxiety aboutbeing more fatty. These findings suggested that nutrition education programs include different strategy according to obesity andobese prevention program is needed for non-obese school children.Key Words : school children, obese, meal conditions, food preference, food intake