ABSTRACT
The medical insurance system was reformed in 2008. A new program was introduced to detect metabolic syndrome in the early stages with the aim of reducing lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, and the specific medical examination and specific health instruction became incumbent on the medical insurers. The primary purpose of the medical examination was not only to discover metabolic diseases but also to provide the people an opportunity to reconsider their lifestyle. The specific health instruction was to raise health consciousness. Our hospital started the specific medical examination in the first year. Based on the screening outcome data, the specific health instruction, the specific health instruction was implemented. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the introduction of the new medical insurance system. We investigated how the effect of the health instruction lasted based on the results of the medical examination that we carried out in 2012. The average weight decreased 1.0 kg (P<0.001) and the mean girth of the abdomen decreased 1.5 cm (P<0.001). Those who successfully lost weight and maintained that success accounted for 60%, as compared with women’s figure of 66% for women. There were people who lost weight temporarily, but regained all or more than they lost in four years. Compared to women, men showed a strong tendency to regain weight lost. The level of the specific health instruction has been improved. The effects of the health instruction would last longer. However, to ward off rebound weight gain, it is necessary for us to keep careful watch over area residents and work out more effective prophylactic measures.