초등학생의 비만도에 따른 성별 체형지각, 체중만족도, 체중조절 경험과의 관계

Abstract

Objectives : This study was conducted to examine the relationships between sex and perception of body shape, satisfaction toward body weight, and experience of weight control according to obesity level among sixth grade students in elementary school. Methods : Study subjects were 325 sixth grade elementary students at Kimhae city in Korea. The Data were collected from July 16th to 28th, 2003, using self-administered questionnaire. Results : Sex distribution of the study subjects was almost equal in boys(49.8%) and girls(50.2%). Normal weight group accounted for 43.4%, under weight group 34.8% and obesity group 21.8%. Thirty-nine percent of the students were satisfied with their body weight but 47% wanted to weigh less. Thirty-three percent had ever been tried to control their weight. In normal and underweight groups there was a high tendency to perceive their body is fatter than as it is. However, the girls who belong to underweight and normal weight groups were less satisfied with their weight than the boys, and girls had significantly more experiences to control their weight. Conclusions : Based on the results, many students have incorrect perception of their body-shape as fatter and especially, girls in under and normal weight groups have less satisfaction for their body weight and tried to control it. Therefore, health education is needed to establish the correct and sound body image from the elementary school periods by school health educators.