A Wearable Device and AI-Supported Diet and Exercise Intervention

This study implemented a personalized 6-month diet and exercise program to promote weight loss. Participants were recruited from outpatient clinics at the Department of Family Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital. Overweight and obese adults were eligible, defined as follows: overweight (BMI 24-27 kg/m²), mild obesity (BMI 27-30 kg/m²), moderate obesity (BMI 30-35 kg/m²), and severe obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m²). Exclusion criteria included recent weight changes exceeding 3%, a history of bariatric surgery, untreated psychiatric disorders, or medications affecting body weight.

Study design: Of the 171 subjects screened, 29 were excluded due to BMI criteria, leaving 142 participants for baseline body composition and biochemical analysis. Of these, 98 joined the 6-month weight loss program, while 44 remained in the control group. Participants were divided into two groups: one followed a standard diet and exercise program, while the other used a wearable device and AI apps alongside the same program. The wearable device tracked steps, heart rate, and estimated calories burned. Outpatient visits occurred at weeks 0, 12, and 24, with additional diet and exercise education. Phone consultations at weeks 2, 4, and 8 provided 10-minute guidance sessions from case managers. Weight loss medications were not permitted during the study.

Data collection: Weight, height, and blood pressure were measured using standard scales and sphygmomanometers. Waist circumference was measured by a trained operator, and bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to assess skeletal muscle, fat mass, and body fat percentage. Blood samples were collected after an 8-hour fast to measure glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Insulin levels were measured, and HOMA-IR was used to assess insulin resistance. Galectin-1 levels were measured using an ELISA kit. Measurements were taken at baseline and at the end of the intervention (week 24).

Diet and exercise intervention: All participants followed a standard diet and exercise program. Those opting for the wearable device aimed for 7,500 steps per day, following World Health Organization recommendations for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week. Dietary education included caloric intake calculations and Mediterranean diet principles. Participants using wearable devices logged daily steps and food intake, which was uploaded to a health management platform. Case managers provided lifestyle coaching through the platform.