The Effectiveness of Health Education Program on Weight Reduction Among Obese Students in Junior High School, Samutprakan Province*

Abstract

This quasi-experimental research aimed to explore the effectiveness of a health education
program on weight reduction among obese students in junior high school, in Samutprakan
Province. The samples were Mathayomsuksa 2 and 3 obese students consisting of 38 students in
the experimental group and 34 students in the comparison group. Their changes were evaluated
with questionnaires and weight measurements. The data had been collected during 3 stages:
before the experiment, after the experiment, and in the follow-up stage. The data analysis was
made by percentage, mean, standard deviation, Chi-square test, ANCOVA, Independent t-test,
and Repeated Measure one-way ANOVA.
The findings of the study revealed that after the experiment, the experimental group had
better knowledge about obesity and weight reduction, self-control behaviors, and food consumption
behaviors, than before the experiment, which they still maintained during the follow-up stage. Their
knowledge about obesity and weight reduction was better than the comparison group after the experiment,
but was not better than the follow-up stage. Whereas their food consumption behavior was better than
the comparison group with a statistical significance (p<0.05). Their exercise and movement behaviors,
attitudes toward obesity and weight reduction did not differ between before and after the experiment,
but were better than the comparison group with a statistical significance (p<0.05). Weight reduction
support from friends did not differ between before the experiment and after the experiment; and the
health education program did not contribute to weight reduction after the experiment and the follow-up
stage.