Feasibility and efficacy of a technology-based weight loss intervention program through public-private partnerships in Japan

: Objectives: Measures by Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have been considered as possible modalities for local governments to conduct health promotion policies. The low energy meal replacement regimens are used for weight loss in obese patients. The aim of this project is to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a weight loss intervention program by a local government through PPPs in Japan. Methods: Overweight or obese subjects in Sakai-town, Ibaraki pref., participated in the weight loss program, using telephone and/or personalized website to receive individual dietary counseling from medical professionals. Meal replacements were consumed once daily instead of regular meals. A standardized product contains 20.1 g of protein, one-third of the RDA of vitamins/minerals, and other food ingredients in 1 bag gross weight 50 g or 167 kcal. Anthropometric parameters and body composition were assessed before and after the 12-week weight-loss program. Results: Ninety-two participants (male 47, female 45) completed the program between 1st, August 2018 and 13th, No-vember 2018. Compared with the baseline, the significant decreases in BMI, body weight and waist circumference were ob-served. Conclusion: The result demonstrated that a technology-based intervention, combined with meal replacements was feasible and effective for reducing body weight in obese subjects. The issues in implementing health promotion projects as PPPs will be examined, and further efforts to achieve the extension of the healthy lifespan will be taken to realize a healthy lon-gevity society. The scheme of PPPs will play pivotal roles in the implementation of integrative health measure through public health services.