ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence rates of overweight and obesty, and their associations in children and adolescents(12-18years) who were defined as normal weight, overweight , and obese. METHODS: Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005 raw data was utilized. The data on the 669 subjects aged 12-18 consisted of variables from the health interview survey, health examination and nutrition survey, and health consciousness behavior survey. Overweight and obesity was evaluated by established body mass index criteria. Chi-squire and Fisher exact test were performed to analyze differences among normal, overweight and obese groups according to basic characteristics and health consciousness behavior. Logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors for the overweight and obese groups. RESULTS: Overweight and obesity prevalence rates were 11.7% and 8.1%, respectively. Of the subjects from urban regions, 20% were overweight and 12.2% were obese. Of those from semi-urban regions, 10.2% were overweight and 3.8% were obese. Of those from rural regions, 9.0% were overweight and 10.1% were obese. The obesity rate in semi-urban regions were 0.38% times lower than the rural rate. CONCLUSIONS: Geographical location constitutes a risk factor for overweight and obesity, which may influence preventative and education programs aimed at schools and the general community.