The Use of Information and Communication Technology–Based Self-management System DialBeticsLite in Treating Abdominal Obesity in Japanese Office Workers: Prospective Single-Arm Pilot Intervention Study

Abstract

Background Making lifestyle changes is an essential element of abdominal obesity (AO) reduction. To support lifestyle modification and self-management, we developed an information and communication technology–based self-management system—DialBeticsLite—with a fully automated dietary evaluation function for the treatment of AO. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the preliminary efficacy and feasibility of DialBeticsLite among Japanese office workers with AO. Methods A 2- to 3-month prospective single-arm pilot intervention study was designed to assess the effects of the intervention using DialBeticsLite. The information and communication technology system was composed of 4 modules: data transmission (body weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, and pedometer count); data evaluation; exercise input; and food recording and dietary evaluation. Eligible participants were workers who were aged ≥20 years and with AO (waist circumference ≥85 cm for men and ≥90 cm for women). Physical parameters, blood tests, nutritional intake, and self-care behavior were compared at baseline and after the intervention. Results A total of 48 participants provided completed data for analysis, which yielded a study retention rate of 100%. The average age was 46.8 (SD 6.8) years, and 92% (44/48) of participants were male. The overall average measurement rate of DialBeticsLite, calculated by dividing the number of days with at least one measurement by the number of days of the intervention, was 98.6% (SD 3.4%). In total, 85% (41/48) of the participants reported that their participation in the study helped them to improve their lifestyle. BMI, waist circumference, and visceral fat area decreased significantly after the intervention (P<.001). In addition, the daily calorie intake reduced significantly (P=.02). There was a significant improvement in self-care behavior in terms of exercise and diet (P=.001). Conclusions Using DialBeticsLite was shown to be a feasible and potentially effective method for reducing AO by providing users with a motivational framework to evaluate their lifestyle behaviors.