Analysis of the dietary behavior and nutrient intake of women according to BMI status

The purpose of this study was to assess the food habit and nutrient intake of women who were visiting the health promotion center in Korea. This study was accomplished with the 36 female inhabitants aged 40 or above in Suwon city. Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percent and lean body mass (LBM) were measured using a body fat measuring device. The dietary patterns of the subjects were assessed by face-to-face interview. Dietary data were collected through the use of a 3-day food record and were analyzed using the computer aided nutritional analysis program. A dietary questionnaire was used to assess dietary habits: daily fruit intake, vegetable intake, regularity of daily meals, etc. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to determine whether the anthropometric data were related to any of the variables of intake of nutrients. The total dietary habit score of normal weight (BMI 18.5-22.9), overweight (BMI 23-24.9), and obese (BMI ≥25) group were 78.2±12.2, 76.4±8.3 and 73.3±14.4 points (a maximum of 100), respectively. This score was related to weight in obese group(r=-0.641, p<0.05). There were significant positive correlation in total protein intake and total fat intake to LBM and BMI in obese group (r=0.555, p<0.05; r=0.554, p<0.05). Overall, obese women had less desirable dietary habits than normal weight and overweight women. Specialized nutrition education is necessary to efficient weight control strategies including desirable eating habits and proper intake of nutrients such as protein and fat.