Systematic Review on the Study of the Childhood and Adolescent Obesity in Korea: Dietary Risk Factors

Abstract

Objectives: The present study systematically reviewed previous studies published in Korea regarding obesity status of children and adolescents in order to provide valid directions for future research and to help establish evidence-based prevention strategies. Methods: The articles were selected by searching the primary keyword ‘obesity’ and the secondary keywords ‘children’, ‘young children’, ‘adolescents’ or ‘kids’ on the KISS (Korean Studies Information Service System). Out of 503 articles excluding the overlap, 308 articles were selected with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Secular trends of obesity research, distribution of subjects, potential risk factors for obesity, and intervention method for obesity management were documented. The associations between obesity and dietary factors were summarized. Results: The overall number of research studies has increased since 2000 but obesity management studies have decreased in recent years. Most of the studies used a crosssectional design. Research on preschool children were extremely limited. Intervention studies targeting males were prevalent. The most significant variables relevant to dietary habits were speed of eating, regular breakfast and snacking. The most significant food and nutrient intake factors were thiamin and iron. Intakes of cereals and animal foods were significantly higher in obese children than the counterparts. Conclusions: The present review of locally published articles on the obesity status in children and adolescents suggested the need for well-designed further studies focused on risk factors of obesity and on a range of intervention methods conducive to the development of obesity prevention and management programs.