Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between body mass index and food habits of college students. For this purpose, 358 students of Kangweon University were asked to fill out the questionnaires for food habits and weight control. The results are summarized as follows ; The rate of underweight, normal and obese was 16.5, 65.1, 18.4%, respectively. Food habits score of obese females were lower than normal or underweight females. Male subjects did not show significantly different scores among the three groups. Female obese subjects have lower scores than the other groups on the eating time, seaweed intake, protein intake and vegetable intake. Male obese subjects have nutritious meals and more eating time than normal and underweight males. College students are the early stage of adult life and their food habits, food behaviors and life style will continue in later life. Therefore, college students need more nutritional knowledge, positive dietary attitudes and modified life styles to prevent and treat obesity.

• Keywords: college students; body mass index; food habit; dietary attitude