Healthy life center model proposal for obese patients within the scope of health tourism

Obesity has become an important public health problem that affects individuals physically, mentally and socially, and many factors play a role in its development. Therefore, a holistic treatment plan approach should be adopted in the treatment of obesity in terms of biological, physiological, psychological and sociocultural aspects. A multidisciplinary treatment approach is important in terms of treating obesity and preventing its recurrence after treatment. The aim of obesity treatment is not only to make the patient lose weight, but also to gain a new lifestyle in order to make the lost weight sustainable. From this point of view, it is important to ensure that the patient loses and maintains weight with medical and complementary treatments for individuals with obesity, and to give him a new lifestyle by positively changing the patient's interpersonal relationships, social and cultural life, self-esteem and self-confidence with hobby workshops and art therapy. In this context, it is aimed to develop a wellness center model for obese patients. In the study, a questionnaire developed within the scope of the relevant literature was used to reveal the necessity and scope of the wellness center. The questionnaire consists of 2 parts, including the demographic characteristics of the patients, the existing obesity treatment institutions and the characteristics of the wellness center planned for obese patients. The universe of the study consists of Istanbul and Sakarya provinces. Its sample consists of 190 patients and 46 health professionals receiving service in these provinces and 236 people in total. Descriptive statistical methods and chi-square test were used in the analysis of the obtained data. According to the findings obtained in the study, it has been determined that the use of complementary therapies in addition to medical treatments is low in the institutions providing treatment, the lack of socio-cultural activities that will help the social and personal development of the patients, and the institutions providing treatment do not provide services under a single roof within a multidisciplinary team. At the same time, data were obtained by the participants to reveal the necessity and scope of the wellness center for obese patients. According to the results of the study, the necessity of a holistic approach in the treatment of obesity in a multidisciplinary team has been demonstrated. Using the data obtained in the study, a wellness center model was developed for obese patients. According to the results of the study, it is thought that this study will contribute to the field due to the increase in obesity in the world and in our country.