Analysis of public perception of national obesity management policy

Abstract

[Purpose] This study aimed to provide essential data necessary for shaping future obesity policy directions and strengthening the effectiveness of such measures. [Methods] A literature review and expert meetings were conducted to identify policy objectives that should be included in the comprehensive national obesity management plan. Based on these objectives, a questionnaire was developed, and a survey was conducted nationwide through an online panel targeting citizens aged 15-69.[Results] When analyzing the appropriateness of promoting national obesity policies, 38.6% of respondents answered “not appropriate,” while only 8.4% answered “appropriate.” We also assessed the importance of the four key areas of the national obesity management policy, with 36.9% considering “improvement of lifestyle to prevent obesity” as the most important. Additionally, we analyzed the significance of specific tasks. “Strengthening child and adolescent obesity prevention and management,” “enhancing group meal nutrition and hygiene,” “strengthening the operation of community-based obesity and exercise clinics,” and “advancing an integrated information platform for nutrition, dietary patterns, and physical activity” emerged as pivotal tasks within their respective areas.[Conclusion] The primary tasks identified as top priorities by the public in this study regarding national obesity policy initiatives can be incorporated into future obesity management strategies. Our approach has the potential to enhance the efficacy of these policies by aligning future obesity policy trajectories with public demands and expectations.

Sugary snack restriction enhances body composition improvement in overweight women engaging in non-face-to-face walking during COVID-19

“…To the best of our understanding, there has been no prior exploration into whether implementing a management program focused on restricting sugar-rich snacks and beverages could augment the benefits of a brisk walking exercise regimen on metabolic outcomes within overweight populations. This study comes at a critical time when the demand and need for effective lifestyle programs are on the rise for overweight management in Korea, reflecting a growing public health concern ( 27 ). Consequently, this study aims to examine the impact of limiting sugar-rich snacks and beverages on glucose metabolism markers and body composition among young women who are overweight and engaging in a non-face-to-face brisk walking program during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”