Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital Forms Multidisciplinary Team for Obesity Patient Treatment

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital has begun full-scale treatment for obese patients.

On the 13th, Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital announced that it has formed a multidisciplinary obesity treatment team consisting of the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Family Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rehabilitation Medicine, and Nutrition Team for patients with severe obesity.

Until now, the Honam region lacked a tertiary hospital-level obesity treatment center, forcing severely obese patients to mainly seek treatment in the Seoul metropolitan area.

Since the application of health insurance coverage for surgery aimed at treating severe obesity in 2019, Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital has steadily prepared a specialized system for obese patient care by acquiring certification for obesity surgery specialists and establishing specialized facilities and equipment.

In fact, the Ministry of Health and Welfare applies insurance benefits similar to those for cancer patients to severely obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher, or those with a BMI of 30 or higher who also have comorbidities such as diabetes or hypertension.

Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital is professionally managing obesity treatment through three certified obesity surgery specialists (Professors Jung Oh, Jung Miran, and Kang Jihoon), a specialized nutrition team, family medicine, endocrinology and metabolism, and various cooperating departments, and is equipped with special surgical and diagnostic equipment for obese patients.

The establishment of obesity patient treatment at Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital is expected to contribute to the promotion of health in the local community.

Professor Jung Oh said, “Obesity is not simply an external issue but a modern disease that increases the risk of various conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, joint diseases, and cancer. Social awareness and active treatment of severe obesity are necessary, and multidisciplinary treatment including obesity surgery can prevent risks and improve quality of life.”

Meanwhile, detailed information about severe obesity treatment can be found on the Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital website under Medical Information > Clinic bulletin board or on the Obesity/Metabolic Disease Clinic website.