Current Practices and Challenges in Pediatric Obesity Management (POM): A Nationwide Survey of Physicians in Korea

Childhood obesity is a critical public health issue that often persists into adulthood, posing significant treatment challenges. Establishing long-term healthy habits is essential, and South Korea has implemented various policies to manage pediatric obesity. However, a gap remains between policy, medical efforts, and actual outcomes. This study aimed to explore physicians' perspectives on clinical practices, awareness of governmental policies, and the key barriers and facilitators in pediatric obesity management (POM).

The questionnaire was developed through a comprehensive literature review and expert feedback, followed by a validity assessment and pilot study, resulting in a finalized 42-question version. Using a convenience sampling approach, 200 physicians specializing in pediatric obesity were recruited via academic societies and online channels. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, presenting categorical data as frequencies and percentages, and continuous variables as averages.

Among the 200 participating physicians, 87.5% were pediatricians. Most had over five years of experience, and more than half were affiliated with primary clinics. Counseling was the primary treatment approach, with liraglutide being the most commonly used medication. However, POM effectiveness was largely unsatisfactory, with 42.0% considering their efforts a "failure." Only 46.0% reported having institutional protocols, and training experiences varied by institution and region. Awareness and satisfaction with governmental policies were low, with limited recognition of national programs. Physicians emphasized the need for early childhood interventions and stronger medical involvement. Key priorities for improvement included better insurance reimbursement and stronger school partnerships.

This study lays the groundwork for developing targeted strategies and policies to address the complex challenges of POM, ultimately improving health outcomes across all age groups, particularly children and adolescents.