PURPOSE
This study was done to identify perceived body image, intentional caloric restriction and physical manifestations of unbalanced nutrition according to the Body Mass Index (BMI) in elementary school students. METHODS: The research design was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Data collection was done by using a structured questionnaire that consisted of 34 items. Participants were 151 students in 5th and 6th grades of elementary schools in Gangwon province. Frequency and percentage, one-way ANOVA, and chi-square-test with SPSS WIN 12.0 were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: In elementary school students, over-weight/obesity and normal weight groups reported that they would be satisfied with a thinner body image compared to the present image. The score for intentional caloric restriction was significantly higher in the over-weight/obesity group than in the under-weight group. In physical manifestations of unbalanced nutrition, students in the under-weight group frequently were pale and had dry skin, whereas the over-weight/obesity group reported frequent upper respiratory symptoms. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that elementary school students need to develop the perception of an adequate body image and to avoid inadequate caloric intake if promotion of the child's growth and development is to be without physical manifestations of unbalanced nutrition.

Citations

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