Perspectives on Community-Based Pediatric Obesity Prevention and Management Programs in South Korea: A Qualitative Interview Study of School and Local Public Health Center Providers

Background: Pediatric obesity has increased globally, and South Korea has reported the highest prevalence in East Asia. Despite national policies addressing children's nutrition and health, fragmented governance and overlapping programs may limit their effectiveness. We compared education and public health providers' perspectives to identify barriers to pediatric obesity prevention and management (POPM) in South Korea and inform an integrated operational model. Methods: This qualitative study included in-depth and focus group interviews with 25 POPM providers from 18 education and public health institutions. The interview guide addressed program operations, strategies, collaboration, treatment referrals, vulnerable populations, implementation facilitators, and optimal program design. Results: Both sectors prioritized physical activity and nutrition and used physical assessments. Schools targeted individual students, whereas public health centers targeted institutions. Barriers included low participation, limited resources, weak coordination, and inconsistent referral pathways, with few services for out-of-school youth. Suggested facilitators included greater parental awareness, provider training, clear guidance, stronger community linkages, and adequate funding. Conclusion: Providers' accounts of fragmented roles, weak coordination, and referral gaps support consideration of a school-centered model with local public health center support and clearly defined institutional roles. Such a model would require sustained support for participation, implementation guidance, and workforce development. It would also require clinical referral pathways, including for medically vulnerable children, and improved data infrastructure.