Media.Player

Method, Apparatus and System for Food Intake and Physical Activity Assessment

Detailed Technology Description

None

*Abstract

Background:Obesity is one of the most rapidly evolving public health problems in the U.S. and many other parts of the world. To understand the etiology of this epidemic and to develop effective weight management programs for patients and the general population, accurate measurements of diet and physical activity data from free-living individuals are required. Currently, self-reporting is the main method for data acquisition. However, this method is considerably inaccurate, affected by a variety of human factors. The lack of objective measurement technology has significantly hampered the development of effective, individualized treatment strategies to help people lose weight and keep it off.Technology:In this invention, the inventors describe an electronic system to accurately measure both food intake and physical activity. This invention includes a novel multimedia method, an electronic apparatus, and an integrated data processing system. The electronic apparatus acquires multimedia data automatically. These data are then processed by a computer which provides a comprehensive report allowing clinicians to treat patients more effectively according to the field-acquired data. Our invention also helps healthy individuals to lose weight and keep tracking of their nutritional balance and physical activity level by self-management.Applications:1) Clinical evaluation at obesity and weight management clinics where objective assessment of diet and physical activity is a critical issue. 2) Healthy people who wish to lose weight and monitor their nutritional balance and physical activity level. Advantages:1) The use of advanced multimedia technology which forms the basis of the design. 2) The ability to measure both food intake and physical activity in a simple, unobtrusive, convenient, and cosmetically acceptable way. 3) Method provides an objective measure of caloric balance. Stage of Development:The electronic apparatus has been designed and its prototype modules have been evaluated using commercial and off-the-shelf components. Provisional Patent Application Filed

*Principal Investigator

Name: John Fernstrom, Professor

Department: Med-Psychiatry

Name: Madelyn Fernstrom

Department: Med-Psychiatry

Name: Robert Sclabassi, CEO

Department:

Name: Mingui Sun, Associate Professor

Department: Med-Neurological Surgery

Country/Region

USA