Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the determinants of obesity during adolescnece. A total of 726 adolescents living in rural areas in Korea had been observed for four years from 1992 to 1996 regarding their diet, sexual maturity, blood profile and physical growth. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to identify priorities fo the importance between the factors influencing obesity. The average nutrient intake over the three year period was higher than that of the Korean Recommended Dietary Allowances. The prevalence of obesity for the subjects based on BMI was 9.5%. Results of the stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that blood components and sexual maturity were more significant factors for determining the obesity than the dietary factors. The result may suggest that to understand obesity in children it is necessary to develop on analytical model for the children rather than using the existing analytical model developed mostly for adult patients of obesity. The model should include a wide range of variables such as diet, sexual maturity and changes in blood.

• Keywords: obesity; longitudinal study; adolescents; diet; sexual maturity