Factors Affecting Obesity and Overweight in Korean Preschool Children: Based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2014

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of preschooler obesity/overweight and to identify associated factors. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study. Data for 591 preschoolers, 432 fathers and 538 mothers from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2014 were included. Obesity/overweight was defined by 2007 Korean National Growth Charts. T-test, Rao-Scott χ²2, multivariate logistic regression was used for the analysis. Results: Prevalence rates for preschooler obesity/overweight were 14.9% (obesity, 5.4%; overweight, 9.5%). The preschoolers with atopic dermatitis or allergic rhinitis or asthma (OR=2.78, 95% CI [1.27-6.09], p=.011) and eating more thiamine per day (OR=1.01, 95% CI [1.00-1.02], p=.001) showed higher obesity/overweight development. The only parental factor affecting preschooler obesity/overweight was parental body mass index (father, OR=1.18, 95% CI [1.09-1.28], p＜.001; mother, OR=1.09, 95% CI [1.04-1.15], p＜.001). Conclusion: Interventions on preventing preschooler obesity should be introduced much earlier for children with risk factors. Results from this study can be used as preliminary data to develop effective strategies to prevent obesity in Korean preschoolers.