Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) Obesity Research Center received a Commendation from the Minister of Health and Welfare for its contribution to obesity prevention and management.

The JBNU Obesity Research Center received the award at the ceremony held by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry on October 11 to mark the 3rd Obesity Prevention Day.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare stated that it selected the JBNU Obesity Research Center because it established a multidisciplinary system integrating medicine, nutrition, exercise, and public health, and contributed to national obesity prevention and management through efficient and differentiated program operations.

The JBNU Obesity Research Center, which began activities in 2007, has continuously conducted student obesity camps and obesity management projects in cooperation with the Jeollabuk-do Office of Education, local public health centers, and schools. Through implementation of a Jeollabuk-do regional health promotion specialization project, it also carried out a metabolic syndrome management program for middle-aged women that received favorable evaluations.

In particular, recently the center has actively pursued outstanding obesity-prevention research, including development of a morning bun incorporating tangerine peel and verification of its bioactive effects; implementation of an SK 'Happiness Lunchbox' social franchise product-standardization research and survey project; and human clinical trials on the effects of traditional jang (fermented soybean) products on improving metabolic syndrome.