Assessment of Clinical Nutrition Problems in Korean Adolescents

Nutritional assessment in adolescents is key to detect major health risks at this age, such as obesity and under nutrition, which continue as adult health risks. Recent epidemiological evidence in Korea has shown that obesity is quite prevalent. Scientific protocols assessing nutritional status should be used in various clinical settings, particularly in hospitals and schools. Recent protocols are typically based on growth charts, calorie calculating equations, and Dietary Reference Intakes in Korea which have been developed through extensive studies. Non-communicable chronic diseases, such as type II diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis could be ameliorated by intervening in behaviors related to nutrition. (Korean J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2011; 14: 334∼339)