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Web-based intervention improves health-related quality of life in metabolic syndrome
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A web-based intervention program was effective in increasing physical activity and improving dietary intake and health-related quality of life in adults with metabolic syndrome, study data show.
Mahdieh A. Farhangi, PhD, of the department of community nutrition, faculty of health and nutrition, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in Iran, and colleagues evaluated 160 adults (mean age, 44.2 years; mean weight, 87 kg; mean BMI, 30.1 kg/m2) with metabolic syndrome to determine the effectiveness of a 6-month interactive web-based intervention on dietary intake, physical activity and health-related quality of life. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 80) or control groups (n = 80).
General information about cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome risk factors were received by all participants, and those in the intervention group received a tailored calorie-restricted diet and had access to a website’s interactive prevention program.
The intervention group had changes in moderate physical activity and walking (P < .05 for both), and intake of cholesterol, total calories, polyunsaturated fat, carbohydrate and fiber. There were significant decreases for total fat and sodium intake in both groups.
After the intervention, the intervention group reduced its meat/egg (P = .033) and fat/oil intake (P = .049), whereas it significantly increased its vegetable consumption.
General health and vitality were more improved in the intervention group compared with the control group (P < .05 for both).
“The integration of interactive e-health programs to primary health care practices, such as prevention of [CV] risk factors, offers possibilities for on-time interaction with the target group with several advantages for the users as well as for the administers of the preventive programs,” the researchers wrote. “The use of web-based approaches is a great interest in the management of patients at high CV risk, especially in a scenario where the prevalence of obesity, [metabolic syndrome] and diabetes is increasing. There is a need to future interventions applying newer technology in prevention of [CVD].” – by Amber Cox
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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