Abstract

In this study, we compared demographic anthropometric characteristic, health-related lifestyle and diet behavior among weight control behaviors of 1187 (555 male, 632 female) aged 40~69yrs in Ganghwa country. All the data were analyzed by chi-square test, trend test, student t-test using SPSS 12.0 version at p < 0.05. 'Attempting weight control (loss)' was more in women than that was found in men (36.6% vs 20.7%), and women attempting weight loss most were 40-50 yrs. The reasons of weight loss were 'health problem' and 'health promotion'. Physical activity and diet restriction were commonly employed as weight control methods. Both genders attempting weight loss had a higher education level, BMI, percentage of body fat, waist circumference and physical activity than those not attempting weight control (p < 0.05). In dietary habits like 'meal regularity', 'slow eating' and 'over eating', women attempting weight loss were superior than those who not attempting weight control group (p < 0.05). Eating pattern changes like 'decrease of fats and fatty foods intake', 'vegetable oil usage', 'increase of fruit and vegetables intake', 'decrease of sugar and salt intake' showed significant differences (p < 0.001) between the attempted weight control groups and nonattempted weight control groups. Salt taste was a preference in male non-attempted weight control group, while sour, hot and spicy taste were preference in female attempted weight control group (p < 0.05). Preference for processed foods, fried foods and snack were significant differences (p < 0.05) in women attempted weight control group. Those attempting weight loss tried to improve their eating patterns. However, those attempting weight loss were poorer than the others in health-related lifestyle and eating habit. Therefore, it is necessary to make an effort that improve healthrelated lifestyle and diet behavior in middle aged group.

• Keywords: weight loss; BMI; health-related lifestyle; dietary habit; eating patter