OBESITY MANAGEMENT IN ADULTS: APPLICATION OF HEALTH BEHAVIOR APPROACHES

Abstract

Adult obesity is an important public health problem that is continuously increasing, with long-term impacts on physical health, mental health, and healthcare costs. Effective obesity management requires an integrated approach that encompasses biological, behavioral, and technological dimensions. This article presents the application of four major conceptual frameworks: 1) The Health Belief Model (HBM), which strengthens motivation through perceived severity, susceptibility, benefits, barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy; 2) The concept of intermittent fasting, which aligns with mechanisms such as ketosis, autophagy, and circadian rhythm, helping to reduce weight and regulate metabolic balance; 3) The plant-based diet approach, which emphasizes plant-derived foods and classifies them using a traffic-light system for practical daily application, and can be linked to meal planning for energy control; and 4) The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which explains the use of health applications, wearable devices, and online consultation systems to support behavioral monitoring and enhance continuity in health care. The integration of these four frameworks provides a flexible approach to obesity management that is appropriate for the context of Thai adults and can lead to sustainable health behavior change. In addition, it highlights the importance of connecting scientific knowledge with practical implementation in healthcare systems, utilizing digital technology to support behavioral modification, and creating psychological motivation consistent with the lifestyle of the working-age population. Such approaches not only reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases but also have the potential to lower healthcare costs and improve the quality of life of the population in the long term.