Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine the difference of the life style and mental health between normal weight and obese children, and to present a more scientific data for efficient obesity management in school. The subjects for this research were 5th and 6th grade children from five elementary schools in a city. The subjects were 155 normal weight children and 151 obese children according to BMI. The data analysis was performed by the SPSS win 11.0 program. The results of this study are as follows. First, in personal hygiene habits, normal weight children have more better than obese children. Second, in dietary habits, normal weight children have more positive than obese children. Third, there was no significant difference between normal weight children and obese children. Fourth, in mental health, normal weight children have more positive than obese children. Fifth, both of normal weight children and obese children have relation in life style and mental health. As the result, right life style positive effect to mental health. Finally, the obesity related to personal hygiene habits, dietary habits, and exercise habits. So it is important to form a good life habit in childhood. (Korean J Str Res 2010;18:255∼263)

• Keywords: Normal weight children, Obese children, Mental health, Life style;