Weight Control Behaviors in Female College Students

Kim, Eun Ju; Cha, Bok Kyeong

doi:2007.13.4.320

Korean J Women Health Nurs > Volume 13(4); 2007 > Article

Original Article

Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing 2007;13(4):320-326.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4069/kjwhn.2007.13.4.320

Weight Control Behaviors in Female College Students

¹Department of Nursing, Hanseo University, Korea. Eunjkim@hanseo.ac.kr
²Graduate School of Health Promotion, Hanseo University, Korea.

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was carried out in an attempt to find weight control behaviors (BMI, experiences of weight control, weight control related factors, etc.) of college female students. METHOD: The subjects were 596 female students in 104 universities and colleges in Korea. Data was collected by using a questionnaire developed through a pretest. RESULT: Seventy five percent of subjects were in the normal range in weight, but 63.8% have experienced weight control behaviors and 58.9% have worried about their weight. Middle and high school was the first time to have concerns about their weight/body image. In addition, the influence towards weight control was mainly by mass communication. Weight control frequency in the most recent most year correlated with concern about weight, first time of weight control, maximum maintaining period of losing weight and BMI.
CONCLUSION
To ensure resonable body image and weight control behaviors in women, education has to begin in elementary schools. In the case of weight control, scientific and systematic weight reduction programs should be developed.

Key Words: Weight reduction; Female