Effects of an obesity management mentoring program for Korean children.

AIM: This research aimed to develop and test a mentored obesity management program guiding physical exercise, improving eating habits, and promoting self-esteem among elementary school learners.

METHODS: A nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used. Thirty learners were recruited through convenience sampling from two elementary schools, then evenly assigned to the experimental and control groups. Six nursing students were mentored, receiving 16h of mentorship training. A 10-week mentored obesity management program promoting physical exercise and proper nutrition was developed and provided.

RESULTS: The two groups' pretest and posttest body mass index and self-esteem differences were statistically significant. Most participants were satisfied with the program, endorsing its provision in the regular school curriculum.

CONCLUSIONS: A mentored obesity management program for elementary school learners would effectively manage weight and improve self-esteem. Programs purportedly curtailing childhood obesity should be expanded, and school policies regulated to enable implementation.