DOI: 10.5176/2251-3833_GHC15.31
Authors: Hyejin Lee, Jun Suk Kim and Min Kyu Han
Abstract:
There is growing interest in the use of information communication technology (ICT) in managing obesity. Although weight loss programs in the workplace are known to be effective, there are few studies on ICT-based interventions. The aim of this study is to develop a new ICT-based weight reduction program (Health-On) and to verify its effectiveness in the workplace. METHODS Health-On is a combined program of a Health-On mobile application, workplace health check-ups, and off-line weight reduction programs conducted in fitness centers and cafeterias. We first developed a smartphone application named Health-On. The app incorporates goal setting, self-monitoring of diet and physical activity, and feedback. Monthly off-line interventions were given by well-trained nutritionists, nurses, and physical trainers. Thirty obese (body mass index (BMI)≥25kg/m2) white-collar workers who volunteered for the 12-week Health-On program were enrolled. We prospectively assessed participants before and after participation without a concurrent control group. The primary outcome was weight change and secondary outcomes were anthropometric measures, metabolic profiles, and fat CT results. RESULTS All of the 30 participants completed the study. The median body weight decreased from 81.3 kilograms(kg) (range 60.8 - 109.8kg) before intervention to 76.6 kg (range 54.1 - 93.0kg) after the 12 week intervention (p<0.001). Various metabolic profiles (blood pressure, HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, LDL, GOT) and fat measures (visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue area) also significantly improved after interventions (p<0.05). CONCLUSION These findings point that the Health-On program is an effective ICT-based weight reduction tool that can easily be implemented into workplaces.
Keywords: weight reduction program, workplace, occupational health, application, telemedicine, obesity, intra-abdominal fat
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