The Analysis of Factors Causing the High Prevalence of Child Obesity in Jeju Island

Abstract

PurposeFor 3 consecutive years from 2012–2014, we analyzed the causative factors for why the Jeju Island had the highest obesity prevalences of school children among the 15 provinces in Korea.MethodsFrom our analysis of 28,026 elementary school children with obesity or normal weight in the 15 provinces, we analyzed 12 factors related to eating habits, exercise habits, lifestyle, and mental health. The differences between the obese and normal weight children were researched. Finally, Jeju was compared with Seoul, which has the lowest obesity prevalence in school age children. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi square test of PASW Statistics ver. 18.0.ResultsCompared to the normal weight group, the obese group had significantly higher rates of consuming soft drinks (p<0.001), fast food intake (p=0.019), skipping breakfast (p<0.001), insufficient sleep (p<0.001), bullying experiences (p=0.001) and runaway impulses (p=0.012). Compared to Seoul, Jeju Island had significantly higher rates of Ramen intake (3.4% vs. 5.4%, p=0.021) and meat intake (46.0% vs. 52.9%, p=0.003). On the other hand, Jeju Island was significantly lower than was Seoul in their fruit intake (83.4% vs. 67.1%, p<0.001), vegetable intake (71.4% vs. 64.2%, p=0.001), and intense physical activity (63.4% vs. 47.7%, p<0.001). Meanwhile, insufficient sleep (15.4% vs. 9.6%, p<0.001) and runaway impulses (5.6% vs. 3.3%, p=0.027) in children were significantly lower in Jeju Island than in Seoul.ConclusionThe results of the obesity factor analysis of elementary school students in Jeju Island can be used as useful educational material for lowering the obesity prevalence in Jeju community.

Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric obesity: recommendations from the Committee on Pediatric Obesity of the Korean Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition

“…A Korean nationwide observational study performed in 2001 reported contrasting results regarding the association between fast food intake and overweight and obesity [68]. However, a recent large-scale observational study performed in Jeju Island revealed that obese children had significantly higher rates of fast food consumption [69].…”

Regional Adolescent Obesity and Overweight Status in Korea from 2018–2019: Comparison between Two Data Sources

“…The rank differences for boys in 2018 and for girls in 2019 were only one rank away. Some studies focusing on the issue of the area have been completed previously [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ], but they were based on the analysis of the KYRBS. The present study results support these study results.…”

Visual Hyper-vigilance But Insufficient Mental Representation in Children with Overweight/Obesity: Event-related Potential Study with Visual Go/NoGo Test

“…Cognitive performance can be modified by nutrition and systemic energy balance, and can also influence eating behavior and excessive calorie gain [234]. In a recent study with elementary school students in Korea, obese children showed higher rates of consuming soft drinks, insufficient sleep, bullying experiences, and runaway impulses [5].…”