Annals of medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Lifestyle counselling by persuasive information and communications technology reduces prevalence of metabolic syndrome in a dose-response manner: a randomized clinical trial (PrevMetSyn).
The aim was to investigate whether lifestyle changes produced by persuasive Information and Communication Technology (ICT) counselling can lower the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). ⋯ Web-based ICT is able to reduce the prevalence of MetS. In addition, higher utilization of the web information system is associated with a greater decrease in the prevalence of MetS. Key messages Our internet health behaviour change support system based on persuasive design and cognitive behaviour therapy markedly reduces metabolic syndrome in overweight/obese subjects. As a stand-alone tool it may save healthcare personnel resources as it is suitable at a low cost for both obese/overweight patients and the public at large.