A web-based interactive lifestyle modification program improves lipid profile and serum adiponectin concentrations in patients with metabolic syndrome: the "Red Ruby" study

Abstract

The effectiveness of internet-based programs in prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome has not been fully explored. In the present study, we investigate the effect of a 6-month web-based interactive lifestyle modification program on anthropometric variables and biochemical risk factors of cardiovascular disease. The study had been carried out among 160 patients with metabolic syndrome (intervention, n = 80; control, n = 80). The primary outcomes were change in anthropometric variables, fasting serum glucose (FSG), lipid profile, insulin sensitivity, and serum adiponectin concentrations in intervention and control groups. Significant reductions in anthropometric variables and serum lipids were observed in both intervention and control groups; however, reduction in waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was only significant in intervention group (P < 0.05). Reduction in anthropometric variables and serum triglyceride, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and liver enzymes were significant in intervention and control groups (P < 0.05) but in women decrease in FSG, TC, and LDL-C were only significant in intervention group (P < 0.05). The present study showed that a web-based intervention was effective in weight loss and improving cardio-metabolic factors in patients with metabolic syndrome after a 6-month intervention.