Weight-control behaviour of Korean and German female students - A comparative study

The present study was to compare the weight-control behaviour of Korean (KS) and German (GS) female students. 548 students were interviewed. Approx. 48% of the KS and 53% of the GS are content with their figures. One third of the interviewed find themselves a little too fat although their BMI is in the range of normal weight. In general, KS are less content with their appearance than GS. 18% of the KS and 4% of the GS only weigh themselves daily. Nearly 90% of the KS would like to lose weight while 40% of the GS do not. 73% of the KS and 59% of the GS already tried to lose weight. For 40% of the KS and 54% of the GS "looking better" is the most important reason for a diet. 20% of the KS and 34% of the GS succeeded in losing weight while ca. 48% of the KS and 18% of the GS stopped dieting. To reduce weight, about two thirds of the KS and GS ate less (e. g. no snacks, no sweets). 50% of the KS and 59 of the GS tried to reduce weight by more physical activity (sports, e.g.). TV (50.2%), friends (47.4%) and newspapers/journals (36.9%) were essential sources of pertinent information. The results have shown that KS are more interested in a diet than GS. The majority of KS hence tries several methods for weight reduction which, however, are less promising and which are not based on a lasting change in nutrition. It is, therefore, necessary to intensify cooperation among those concerned (e.g., dietitians, teachers, parents, media) and to develop a weight-control program considering lifestyle and daily rhythm and combining physical actvity, nutrition and behavioural and personality training.