Authors: Ching Li Lee, Harvinder Kaur, Gilcharan Singh, Winnie Siew Swee Chee
ABSTRACT
Introduction: This pilot study assessed the impact of a structured lifestyle intervention combined with mobile health application on chronic disease risk in a healthcare-based university.
Methods: A total of 24 overweight/obese university employees participated in a 12-week intervention that included group nutrition education and exercise sessions, a structured low-calorie meal plan, meal replacements, and a mobile health application.
Results: A pre- and post-intervention analysis showed that the participants had weight loss (p < 0.001), a reduction in blood triglyceride (p = 0.010), and a reduction in systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001). There was an increase in the proportion of participants who achieved their clinical targets for systolic blood pressure from 16.7% at baseline to 58.3% after the intervention (p = 0.004). A focus group discussion demonstrated good acceptability of the intervention that was driven by the use of practical nutrition knowledge gained from the group education sessions and structured meal plans, and timely feedback on eating behaviour from use of the mobile heath application.
Conclusion: A structured lifestyle intervention combined with mobile health application supports significant clinical improvements including weight loss and reductions in blood triglyceride and blood pressure.
Keywords: Chronic diesease, Mobile health, Obesity, Structured lifestyle intervention, Workplace wellness
Citations: IeJSME 2022 16 (1): 3-15
