Jung Jahye, Lee Yoon, Shin Minsoo, Sul Ah-Ram, Hong Yong Hee
Division of Healthcare Research, National Evidence-based Healthcare Collaborating Agency, Seoul, Korea.
Department of Pediatrics, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
J Obes Metab Syndr. 2025 Apr 30;34(2):166-176. doi: 10.7570/jomes24050. Epub 2025 Mar 4.
Parental awareness and involvement are crucial in managing obesity in children and adolescents. Although awareness of obesity-related health risks is increasing, public understanding of specific aspects remains limited. This study examines parental perceptions and practices regarding pediatric obesity in Korea.
An online survey was conducted from June 3 to 14, 2024, targeting 102 parents/guardians of children and adolescents who were overweight or obese according to the 2023 Student Health Examination results. The survey assessed experiences with medical consultations, awareness and management practices regarding obesity, awareness of related policies, and barriers and facilitators for obesity management.
A significant gap exists between awareness and actual practice in managing pediatric obesity. Although 90.2% of the respondents recognized the importance of dietary and exercise management, the actual implementation rates were low (68.6% and 66.7%, respectively). Notably, 62.1% of respondents were unaware of any existing national policies or programs: 39.7% were aware of relevant policies, and only 35.3% were aware of related programs. Barriers to obesity management included a lack of awareness and motivation among children and adolescents, insufficient information for parents/guardians, and financial and time constraints. Facilitators of effective management include accurate diagnosis, coordination between schools and healthcare providers, and increased community support.
Combating pediatric obesity will require improved awareness and education, reduced financial burden, and the promotion of national policies. Strengthening coordination among schools, healthcare providers, and community resources will facilitate the successful management of obesity.
家长的认知和参与对于儿童及青少年肥胖症的管理至关重要。尽管人们对肥胖相关健康风险的认知在不断提高，但公众对具体方面的理解仍然有限。本研究调查了韩国父母对小儿肥胖症的看法和做法。
2024年6月3日至14日进行了一项在线调查，目标是根据2023年学生健康检查结果超重或肥胖的102名儿童及青少年的家长/监护人。该调查评估了医疗咨询经历、对肥胖症的认知和管理做法、对相关政策的认知以及肥胖症管理的障碍和促进因素。
在小儿肥胖症管理的认知与实际做法之间存在显著差距。尽管90.2%的受访者认识到饮食和运动管理的重要性，但实际实施率较低（分别为68.6%和66.7%）。值得注意的是，62.1%的受访者不知道任何现有的国家政策或项目；39.7%的人了解相关政策，只有35.3%的人了解相关项目。肥胖症管理的障碍包括儿童及青少年缺乏认知和动力、家长/监护人信息不足以及经济和时间限制。有效管理的促进因素包括准确诊断、学校与医疗服务提供者之间的协调以及社区支持的增加。
应对小儿肥胖症需要提高认知和教育水平、减轻经济负担并推广国家政策。加强学校、医疗服务提供者和社区资源之间的协调将有助于成功管理肥胖症。
