The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships among body composition, dietary intake, exercise, and life style in children(M=80, f=102) of the 5th and 6th grades of elementary school. Anthropometry and multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis were conducted to estimate body composition. Dietary intake, exercise, and life style were determined by using questionnaires. When obesity was classified greater than 120% of the ideal body weight, the prevalence rates of obesity were 31.2% for boy and 20.6% for girl. There were significant differences in body composition between nonobese(NO) and obese(OB) groups. Mean fat mass(FM) and lean body mass(LBM) were 8.6kg and 27.7kg for NO group and 16.7kg and 32.3kg for OB group, respectively. Also a significant difference was found in hydration rate(TBW/body weight)between groups( <0.01). No significant difference was found I total calorie intake and nutrient intakes between groups. No difference was found in the frequency and duration of outdoor exercise and indoor activities. Mean sleeping hours was 8-9hours for 62% of nonobese children and for 59% of obese children. However, calorie intake per body weight was significantly lower inobese children than in nonobese. The present study showed that significant differences existed in their body size and composition between NO and OB groups , while no differences existed in daily calorie intake, excercise , and life style. This may indicate that important obesity-promoting factors of early onset obesity may rely on other factors such as hereditary or environmental factors besides factors considered. Further studies are required to understand obesity-promoting factors in children. (Korean J Community Nutrition 2(5) : 680∼686, 1997)