2024 Volume 73 Issue 2 Pages 100-111
The Specific Health Examination and Specific Health Guidance Program began in FY2008 to promote prevention of lifestyle-related diseases with a focus on metabolic syndrome. In the fourth phase (FY2024–FY2029), questions on smoking and alcohol consumption were revised, and more detailed options were added to identify risk more accurately. In addition, the question regarding checking the history of receiving specific health guidance was revised. The main achievement goals of the specific health guidance were set at a two cm abdominal circumference and two kg reduction in body weight. Emphasis was placed on behavioral changes (improvement in lifestyle habits such as eating, exercise, smoking, and rest habits) that lead to the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases. This study reviews the history of prevention of lifestyle-related diseases in Japan and provides an overview of the above system and points emphasized in the fourth phase.
