Change in waist circumference with continuous use of a smart belt: An observational study

Abstract

Background: Health insurers and policymakers are trying to prevent and reduce cardiovascular diseases due to obesity. A smart belt that monitors activity and waist circumference is a new concept for conquering obesity and may be a promising new strategy for health insurers and policymakers. Objective: This preliminary study evaluated whether the use of a smart belt was associated with a decrease in waist circumference. Methods: In the manufacturer’s database, there were data on a total of 427 men at baseline. A total of 223, 81, and 27 users kept using the smart belt for 4, 8, and 12 weeks, respectively. Paired t tests and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to identify the change in waist circumference at specified time intervals (at 4, 8, and 12 weeks). In addition, a linear mixed model was used to incorporate all users’ waist circumference data at each time point. Preexisting data on waist circumference and self-reported demographics were obtained from the manufacturer of the smart belt (WELT Corporation, South Korea). Results: Compared with baseline, the waist circumference (cm) decreased significantly at all time points: –0.270 for week 4, –0.761 for week 8, and –1.972 for week 12 (all P