title: Utility of a web-based weight loss program with auto-extraction of behavioural objectives and recording of daily weight and steps in pre-obese outpatients.
abstract: The epidemic of obesity is now a major public health concern in many parts of the world. Face-to-face tailored lifestyle modification therapy is one of the major approaches used for weight loss. However, the lack of time for multiple visits and the lack of resources for administering therapy hinder its implementation. We administered a web-based weight loss program for obese patients from July 2010 to January 2012 that required only 2 personal interviews over 6 months. The program used a system of auto-extraction of behavioural objectives and auto recording of daily weight and number of steps taken. The subjects included 3 obese men (mean age, 35.7 ± 2.3 years; mean body mass index (BMI), 30.4 ± 0.8 kg/m²) and 17 obese women (mean age, 39.3 ± 9.5 years; mean BMI, 28.1 ± 1.8 kg/m2) who volunteered to participate in this weight loss program. Weight loss achieved through this program was significant (mean, 2.7%, p=0.047). Abdominal visceral fat area (VFA) decreased significantly (mean, 12.6%, p=0.017), and the serum cholinesterase and alanine aminotransferase levels improved (mean, 33 U/L, p=0.003; mean, 7 IU/L, p=0.033 respectively). Metabolic syndrome criteria number had a tendency to decrease. Dietary and nutrient intake levels on the food frequency questionnaire improved. Weight loss ratio after 6 months and initial weight loss ratio were strongly significantly correlated. A web-based weight loss program with auto-extraction of behavioural objectives and recording of daily weight and steps can achieve weight loss, as determined by VFA reduction, on low manpower.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Nutrition, Osaka City University Graduate School of Human Life Science, 3-3-138 Sugimotochou, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan. d12hak0q01@ex.media.osaka-cu.ac.jp.
authors.forename: Yoshinari
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Matsumoto
authors.forename: Sawako
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yoshiuchi
authors.forename: Takumi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Miyauchi
authors.forename: Humikazu
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hayashi
authors.forename: Daiki
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Habu
authors.forename: Yutaka
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kimura
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology*; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D010045:Outpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs / Q000379:methods*