Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the evaluation of nutrition and exercise education program on weight control for obese children. The subjects of this study were 28 obese children and their parents living in Geyongnam area. The weight control program consisted of exercises for children and nutrition education for both children and their parents. The BMI values of the children were significantly reduced from 27.96 kg/m2 to 27.22 kg/m2 after 11 weeks (p < 0.001) and to 27.65 kg/m2 after one year. Dietary habits and exercise patterns were also changed positively. For the children, while the frequency of eating breakfast and appropriate chewing habits were increased, the percentages of eating in inappropriate position and the frequency of buying snacks were decreased (p < 0.001). In terms of exercise, the proportion of doing exercise more than 30 minutes, participating in physical activity classes actively, and walking rather than taking a car were significantly increased. Nutrition knowledge of both the student and parent respondents were significantly increased when measured immediately after the education and even a year after compared to their knowledge status measured before the program (p < 0.001). Both the students (82.1%) and parents (96.4%) were satisfied with the overall weight control program. Exercise therapy was chosen as the most beneficial content. Reparticipation intention was comparable between the students (28.6%) and their parents (67.9%). A year after survey results revealed that 71.4% of students controlled their weight by doing regular exercises (55.0%) and controlling overeating (45%). Parents often applied healthy cooking methods (89.3%) and low calorie menus (64.3%), which they learned from nutrition education. Most parents perceived that the weight control program was helpful for their children (89.3%) and themselves (92.9%) as well.

• Keywords: obesity; children; weight control; evaluation; nutrition-excercise