About 5,000 citizens each lost an average of 1.64 kilograms under a three-month Seoul City weight-loss project.

A total of 5,812 Seoul residents aged 18 and older joined the program from July to September and shed a total of 9,580 kilograms in three months, Seoul City said.

The municipal government launched the Healthy Weight Project 3.3.3 with a goal of 3,000 persons losing 3 kg in three months.

It was the first collective anti-obesity program administered by a local government.

Though the city failed to achieve the per capita goal of 3 kg, the project showed a possibility of successfully controlling obesity, officials said.

Participants took various weight-loss courses such as yoga and line dancing at public health centers.

Seoul City is considering holding a group weight-loss program for obese men in their 40s and 50s next year.

By Chun Sung-woo (swchun@heraldcorp.com)