Evaluation of obesity clinic program in public community health centers in South Korea

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the obesity clinic program in the public community health centers in Korea in 2006-2007. The authors conducted a telephone questionnaire survey for participants to evaluate the outcome of the program. Samples were selected through convenient sampling: 30 persons per one public health center among 2560 participants. The level of improvement in obesity, regular exercise, and the effort for calorie reduction of the participants were analyzed. There were significant differences: The participants who were provided continuously the information of obesity clinic program reduced calories for weight loss (odds ratio [OR] = 2.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.34-4.19, P < .01), and showed concern about body weight (OR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.07-4.41, P < 0.05). This study found that when the program information was provided continually and the participants were motivated, the community obesity program goals could be achieved.