Universiti Malaya Community Engagement Centre (UMCares)

MyRA Community Engagement Star Rating

Awarded for Digital Health Intervention Efficacy & Wellness

Key Project Metrics:

Duration: 11 Months (Feb – Dec 2019)

Participants: 50 Overweight Women (Aged 30-60)

Effectiveness Score (Online): 3.97 / 4.0

Project Overview & Methodology

This program aimed to combat the rising prevalence of obesity in Malaysia by testing the efficacy of a 12-week weight loss intervention delivered through two modalities: online and face-to-face (F2F). The target community was overweight women aged 30–60 years old.

The intervention focused on comprehensive lifestyle modification (physical activity, diet, and behavioral changes) rooted in Sports Science application.

Online Group (N=25):Participants used a specially developed website (myhealthyfit.um.edu.my) that provided nutrition, exercise modules (videos, guidelines), motivation, and sports medicine components. They received continuous support via a WhatsApp group.

Face-to-Face Group (N=25): Participants received regular group consultations and supervised exercise sessions three times per week at a fitness studio or park in the Klang/Shah Alam area.

Data Collection: Pre- and post-measurements included body composition (InBody 370), body shape scanning, blood tests, and the 1.6 km walk test for cardiovascular fitness.

The Digital Platform: myhealthyfit.um.edu.my

Screenshot of the Cabaran Kurus Sihat Online website interface

Figure 1: The web-based platform provided all necessary materials (exercise videos, nutrition advice, motivation) for the online intervention.

Key Outcomes After 12 Weeks

Significant Physical Changes (Both Groups)

Body Weight & BMI: Significantly reduced (Online & F2F).
Body Fat Percentage: Significantly reduced (Online & F2F).
Hip Circumference: Significantly reduced (Online & F2F).
Cardiovascular Fitness (VO2Max):Significantly increased (Online & F2F).
*Note: Only F2F showed no significant change in waist circumference, unlike the Online group.*

Energy Intake Reduction

Online Group: Energy intake significantly reduced by 37.5%.
Face-to-Face Group: Energy intake significantly reduced by 51.6%.
Macronutrients: Average intake of Carbohydrate, Protein, and Fat remained within the Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) for Malaysia.

Impact and Community Feedback

Efficacy: The online program was found to be as effective as the face-to-face program.
Behavioral Change: Social support through the online group was crucial in motivating and improving behaviors among participants.
High Compliance: The program was rated highly for implementation (Online: 3.97/4.0; F2F: 3.61/4.0), demonstrating it was easy to comply with.
Reported Benefits: Participants cited achieving weight loss, living a healthier lifestyle, and enhanced awareness of nutrition and exercise.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Good Health and Well-being

This program directly addresses Target 3.4 by focusing on the prevention and treatment of obesity, a major risk factor for chronic diseases, demonstrating improved biomarkers through lifestyle modification.

Quality Education

The program provides high-quality, scientifically-backed health and sports science education via the dedicated website, offering reliable guidance on physical activity and nutrition to the community.

Partnerships for the Goals

The project leveraged expertise from multiple faculties (Sports Science, Medicine, Science) and institutions (IPG Kampus Bahasa Melayu) to develop and deliver a comprehensive, evidence-based public health solution.