Comparison of Dietary Status and Health Behaviors according to the Obesity in Male Workers

Abstract

To investigate the comparison of dietary status and health behaviors according to obesity, 239 male workers were selected and classified as normal (18.5-22.9 27.2%), overweight (23-24.9, 37.7%), and obese (25-29.9, 35.2%) by body mass index (kg/m2). The SAS (ver. 9.2) program was used and verified by the chi-square and f-value methods. Drinking frequency(2-3 times a week) was higher in normal males(45.3%), but not as high as in obese males (48.1%) (p<0.001). Smoking frequency and amount were the highest in overweight males, but not-quit-smoking was high in obese males(51.9%) (p<0.001). Exercise time was longer in normal males(108 minutes) than other groups(69 overweight males, and 82 obese males (p<0.01). Obese groups(73.8%) slept well (p<0.001), but overweight males(44.4%) showed less than 6 hours of sleep (p<0.01). Meal frequency differed by group(two meals a day 67.7% in normal males (p<0.001), no-snack 65.5% in obese males(p<0.001). The frequency of eating-out was once a day in normal males (38.5%), differed in the eating-out time (lunch(45.8%) in normal males, dinner in overweight males(52.1%) and obese males(59.5%) (p<0.01). Korean food (49.3%) was selected, but noodle differed by group(10.2% normal 21.5% obese (p<0.01). Self-perception of body differed from the body's actual condition(p<0.001). For weight control, exercise(56.4%) was practiced more than diet(18.6%). Nutrition knowledge was poor (correct answer rate was 36.7% in normal males, 41.7% in overweight males, and 46.7% in obese males). For eating attitudes, obese males answered more in "flexible to change eating habits", "supplemented when poor eating"(p<0.001), normal responded in "impact on nutrition to health", "try new food for health"(p<0.01). From these results, it is evident that male workers, especially overweight ones, must work to learn more about health and nutrition so as to combat chronic diseases.