Effects of a non-face-to-face behavioral weight-control program among Japanese overweight males: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Weight control has been major health issue in the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases especially among middle-aged working males in Japan. The computerized behavioral program is expected as an effective and feasible intervention tool.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine two hypotheses. The first was that first month weight loss effect is obtained by a behavioral program assisted by computer-tailored advices (Kenkou-tatsujin [KTP]) among overweight males and maintained for 7 months; the second was that the effects in the full KTP is superior to the booklet only.

Method: Fifty-one males (body mass index [BMI] = 26.2) were randomly allocated to the KTP group (KTPG) or control group (CG). The KTPG (n = 23) read a booklet, set target behaviors, received advises, and self-monitored their weight and the targeted behaviors for 7 months. The CG (n = 28) read the same booklet. Weight, BMI, biological indices, and daily behaviors were compared at baseline, first, third, and seventh month. The subanalysis among 36 obese subjects was added.

Results: In KTPG, weight loss was larger at the first month (-1.1 vs. -0.3 kg), walking steps increased for the seventh month, and several biological indices tended to improve more at the third month than CG. However, the difference of weight loss was not significant at the seventh month. Among the obese subjects, weight loss in KTPG was larger than CG at the third month (-3.0 vs. -1.4 kg).

Conclusion: Weight loss effects of KTP were significant at 1 month, walking steps increase was maintained for 7 months.