RESUMEN
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify effects of an obesity control program including rhythmical dance exercise, on body composition, knowledge about obesity, life habits and self-esteem among obese elementary school children. This program included obesity related health education and counseling based on behavior modification once a week, 1 hour-rhythmical dance class once a week and 40-minute jump rope classes twice a week for 8 weeks. METHOD: There were 29 students with obesity in the experimental and 28 in the control group. Participated was voluntary. The data were collected from April 16 to July 6 2007. chi-square-test, Fisher's exact test, paired t-test and t-test were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Students in the experimental group showed significantly lower fat mass (t=-2.16, p=.036) and percent body fat (t=-2.93, p=.005) and significantly higher muscle mass (t=2.05, p=.045) and lean body mass (t=2.71, p=.009) than those in the control group. Knowledge of obesity increased significantly and eating habits changed significantly. But difference in exercise habits and self-esteem were not significant. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that an 8 week-obesity control program including rhythmical dance exercise is effective in decreasing body fat, increasing muscle mass and increasing knowledge of obesity in children who are obese.