<![CDATA[Obesity remains a growing public health challenge; however, effective nutrition education strategies remain limited. A preliminary study conducted on December 15, 2024, at a community health center (Puskesmas) Manggar, Balikpapan, involving 10 obese workers, indicated that while participants recognized the definition of obesity, most lacked practical understanding regarding weight management and preventive dietary modification. Historically, nutrition education at this facility has been limited to leaflet distribution; therefore, there is a clear need for more interactive and sustainable intervention methods. This study aimed to analyze the impact of balanced nutrition counseling using a digital pocketbook as an educational medium on the knowledge and nutrient intake of obese workers at Puskesmas Manggar, Balikpapan. A quasi-experimental study with a one-group pretest–posttest design was conducted among 32 obese workers selected via total sampling. Knowledge (Guttman questionnaire) and nutrient intake (2×24-hour dietary recall) were assessed before and after intervention with digital pocketbook-based counseling and analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results showed a significant improvement in knowledge, with scores shifting from "fair" and "poor" categories to "good" for all participants (p < 0.001). Intakes of energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrates also improved significantly, trending toward the normal range (p < 0.001). Pocketbook-based balanced nutrition counseling is effective in enhancing knowledge and optimizing nutrient intake among patients with obesity. Given its low cost and simplicity, this intervention is readily scalable for integration into routine nutrition counseling services at Puskesmas Manggar and other similar primary healthcare facilities.]]>
