Study Design of the Saku Control Obesity Program (SCOP)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The increasing number of patients with metabolic syndrome and resultant diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and other lifestyle-related diseases are an urgent focus of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. Because obesity is a common basis of these diseases, the control of obesity is an important aim. METHODS: A cognitive-behavioral treatment is being employed in a randomized intervention trial at the Saku Health Dock Center. 976 people whose BMI in upper quintile were identified from the health checkup database, and 235 people participated in the Saku Control Obesity Program (SCOP). Various biomarkers (including lipokines and single nucleotide polymorphism SNPs), physical activity, personality type (measured by the NEO-FFI), and dietary habits and dietary intake behavior (measured by the SQ-DHQ) will be measured to clarify the multiple factors influencing obesity. Each participant will use a diary to record body weight, body fat, number of steps, physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE), and success in achieving the established plan; a dietary record and appropriate equipment are also provided. At 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, each participant will be interviewed by a doctor and dietician and receive individual education regarding physical activity. Follow-up will occur 1 and 2 years after baseline measurements. RESULTS: A total of 116 men (52.9 ± 6.6 years) and 119 women (54.4 ± 6.5 years) are participating in the study. Average body weight (± SD) was 86.4 ± 11.8 kg in males and 75.2 ± 9.5 in females. BMI was 30.4 ± 3.5 in males and 31.1 ± 3.1 in females. Waist and visceral fat area were 101.5 ± 8.7 cm and 159 ± 54 cm2 in males and 103.7 ± 8.3 cm and 130 ± 47 cm2 in females, respectively. PAEE was 271 ± 127 kcal in males and 246 ± 102 kcal in females. Basal metabolic rate, measured in one-tenth of the participants, was 1659 ± 226 kcal in males and 1477 ± 210 kcal in females. CONCLUSION: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral treatment designed to help obese patients lose weight and to maintain their weight losses over time. SCOP has been started with a good participation rate.