<![CDATA[Background: healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and balanced nutrition has been proven to reduce visceral fat and the Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI). Aerobic exercise is one of the most accessible forms of physical activity. This study evaluated the effect of nutrition education combined with aerobic exercise on VAI among security guards at Diponegoro University. Methods: A quasi-experimental design with a pre-post test was employed, involving 28 male security guards selected through consecutive sampling, whom were assigned to treatment (n=14) and control (n=14) groups. Both groups received online nutrition education, while the treatment group additionally performed moderate-intensity aerobic exercise three times per week for four weeks. Anthropometric, biochemical (triglycerides and HDL), dietary, and physical activity data were analyzed using independent t-test, Mann–Whitney, paired t-test, and Wilcoxon tests. Results: No significant reduction in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, triglycerides, HDL, and VAI in the treatment group (p>0.05) was found, although a decrease trend in VAI was observed (ΔVAI = -0.08). Conversely, the control group experienced significant increases in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and triglycerides (p<0.05), with a rising trend in VAI (ΔVAI = +0.49). Between-group comparisons revealed a statistically significant difference in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, triglycerides, and VAI (p<0.050). Conclusion: In conclusion, a combined nutrition education and exercise may have a protective effect against worsening VAI. These findings support the implementation of a workplace-integrated wellness programs as a viable strategy for cardiometabolic risk reduction in high-risk occupational groups. ]]>
