A randomized controlled trial on the long-term effects of a 1-month behavioral weight control program assisted by computer tailored advice.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the long-term effects of a new behavioral weight control program (Kenkou-tatsujin, KT program). The program consisted of twice-interactive letter communications including computer-tailored personal advice on treatment needs and behavioral modification.


METHODS
A randomized controlled trial comparing Group KM: KT program with 6-month weight and targeted behavior's self-monitoring, Group K: KT program only, Group BM: an untailored self-help booklet with 7-month self-monitoring of weight and walking, and Group B: the self-help booklet only.


METHODS
Two hundreds and five overweight Japanese females were recruited via a local newspaper.


METHODS
Weight loss (body weight, BMI, reduction quotient, etc.) and behavioral changes (daily eating, exercise and sleeping habits).


RESULTS
A significant weight loss was observed in all groups. At 1 month, Groups KM and K were superior, but at 7 months, the mean weight loss was significantly more in Group KM than the other 3 groups. At 7 months, 8 dietary habits and 4 physical activities were improved in all subjects. Habitual improvement was related to the weight loss in Groups KM and K at 1 month.
Adachi
Yoshiko
Y
Institute of Behavioral Health, 3-29-11 Ishizaka, Dazaifu-city, Fukuoka 818-0118, Japan. a_ibh@ybb.ne.jp
Sato
Chifumi
C
Yamatsu
Koji
K
Ito
Sakurako
S
Adachi
Kyo
K
Yamagami
Toshiko
T
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015930:Diet Records; D004435:Eating / Q000523:psychology*; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D012647:Self-Assessment; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss