Abstract

This study was to investigate obesity and food habit of adolescents in Yosu, Chonnam area. It was surveyed using questionnaires with 551 adolescents consisted of 280 boys and 271 girls. The questionnaire included general characteristics, obesity index, eating behavior and snack intake pattern. The results were as follows. The proportion of obese subjects was 10% by Rohrer index but the rate of obesity by body mass index was 3.3%. The self perception of body shape were optimal (47.9%), fat (29.8%), slightly lean (14.5%), obese (4.7%) and lean (3.1%). Generally, the proportion of girls responded them as "fat" was greater than boys. The greater percentage of boys responded them as "lean" than girls. The subjects don't take breakfast regularly were 50.8% and the main reason for skipping breakfast was the lack of time (55.2%). The main type of breakfast was cooked rice (78.9%). The most favorite snacks turn out to be cookies (36.5%) and 45.7% of subjects take snacks during the rest. The reason for taking snacks was "feeling hungry" 52.6%) and the taste was the most important factor of snack choice. The results of this study showed that the most of subjects were not in a serious obesity condition, and their eating habits were generally satisfactory. Also, this study has found that it is necessary to educate the students the importance of regular intake of a balanced meal.

• Keywords: obesity; food habit; adolescents; yosu area