[Impact of visceral fat measurements and a weight loss support web system on visceral fat loss in a workplace setting: insights from a JVALUE2 (Japanese study of visceral adiposity and lifestyle information; utilization and evaluation)]

Abstract

Objectives: Providing different programs of occupational health services in the same company is difficult. We report the results of a parallel randomized trial for the employees of our company for visceral fat measurements and the effect of a weight loss support web system.

Materials and methods: 181 healthy employees with BMI over 23 who volunteered to participate in this study. In a parallel randomized study, we divided them into 3 groups (A, health guidance by occupational health staff with visceral fat measurements and a weight loss support web system; B, health guidance by occupational health staff with a weight loss support web system; C, without health guidance (control)) by date of birth. To assess the effects of guidance and support, we compared each group's waist circumference (WC), weight, and BMI, before and after the guidance. We also conducted questionnaire surveys of eating behavior and life activities before and after the guidance to estimate the relationship between the intervention method used for each group and their behavioral modification.

Results: 150 employees (83%) finished this program. Within 3 months, reduction in the outcome measures was largest in group A, and showed significant differences from the other two groups. For many employees in group A, eating behavior factors improved markedly; however, in the control group, there were no changes in eating behavior or daily living activities.

Conclusions: A parallel randomized trial involving the employees of our company was performed and we scientifically verified the effects of an occupational health programs. Objective study of occupational health activities and measures were enabled by devising methods and procedures, e.g., applying the waiting-list method for the control group. This approach will lead to appropriate selection and precise implementation of evidence-based measures in occupational health in the future.