Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between bone mineral density and nutrient intake among normal and obese elementary students. Each subject was assigned to one of such as normal (n = 69) and obese groups (n = 94) according to their obesity indices. And they were asked for general characteristics, dietary habits and nutrient intakes using questionnaires and 24-hr recall method. They measured the sound of speed (SOS) of calcaneus using quantitative ultrasound. The averages age of the subjects were 10.6 years in normal and 10.7 years in obese group. The averages weight (p < 0.001) and obesity index (p < 0.001) of the normal group were significantly lower than those of the obese group. In dietary habits, the obese group in boys was the higher skipped breakfast than normal group (p < 0.01). The plant calcium intake of obesity in girls was lower than those of normal group (p < 0.05). The SOS in the calcaneus was 1697.6 m/s in the obese group and 1763.7 m/s in the normal group (p < 0.01). The SOS in the calcaneus was negatively correlated to weight (p < 0.01), obesity index (p < 0.001) and percent of body fat (p < 0.01). Also the SOS in the calcaneus was positively correlated plant calcium intake (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the excessive increase of weight and percent of body fat in elementary students appeared to have negative impact to bone health. And based on these results, further studies on the effects on bone mineral density of obese and nutrient intakes in needed for proper bone health.

• Keywords: obesity; bone mineral density; nutrient intakes; dietary habits; elementary students