Integrated calorie management system

• US 6,478,736 B1
• Filed: 10/10/2000
• Issued: 11/12/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 10/08/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Microlife Medical Home Solutions Inc. (Morgan Stanley)
• Original Assignee: HealtheTech, Inc. (Morgan Stanley)
• Inventors: Mault, James R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Winakur, Eric F.
• Assistant Examiner(s): MCCROSKY, DAVID J
• Application Number:
  US09/685,625
• Time in Patent Office: 763 Days
• Field of Search: 600/300, 600/301, 600/531, 600/532, 600/538, 128/897-925, 708/131, 708/133
• US Class Current: 600/300
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0295 adapted for recording user messages or annotations
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0443 Modular apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0456 Apparatus provided with a docking unit
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0462 Apparatus with built-in sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0468 Built-in electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0475 Special features of memory means, e.g. removable memory cards
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0219 Inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes, tilt switches
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0008 Temperature signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/002 Monitoring the patient using a local or closed circuit, e.g. in a room or building A61B5/0017 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0022 Monitoring a patient using a global network, e.g. telephone networks, internet
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/022 by applying pressure to close blood vessels, e.g. against the skin; Ophthalmodynamometers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02438 with portable devices, e.g. worn by the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/05 Detecting, measuring or recording for diagnosis by means of electric currents or magnetic fields; Measuring using microwaves or radio waves impedance plethysmography A61B5/0295; measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof A61B5/11; detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof A61B5/24
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0537 Measuring body composition by impedance, e.g. tissue hydration or fat content
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/083 Measuring rate of metabolism by using breath test, e.g. measuring rate of oxygen consumption
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0833 Measuring rate of oxygen consumption
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/087 Measuring breath flow
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/097 Devices for facilitating collection of breath or for directing breath into or through measuring devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1112 Global tracking of patients, e.g. by using GPS
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1118 Determining activity level
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 : for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1455 : using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/222 : combined with detection or measurement of physiological parameters, e.g. heart rate
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/339 : Displays specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4866 : Evaluating metabolism A61B5/083 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4872 : Body fat
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6817 : Ear canal
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6826 : Finger
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6838 : Clamps or clips
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6896 : Toys
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/742 : using visual displays A61B5/339 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 7/00 : Instruments for auscultation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 15/00 : ICT specially adapted for medical reports, e.g. generation or transmission thereof
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/30 : relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/60 : relating to nutrition control, e.g. diets
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 : for local operation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/921 : Diet management

Abstract

An improved health management system for a person is disclosed, in which the person'"'"'s resting metabolic rate (RMR) is determined at intervals using an indirect calorimeter. RMR values are used in setting and revising goals in, for example, a weight control program. The effects of a weight control program on RMR can hence be compensated for, which enables an improved weight control program to be developed. In one embodiment, the person is provided with a portable electronic device, for use as a caloric intake calculator, caloric expenditure calculator, and caloric balance calculator.

Claims

1. A method of managing the health of a user, said method comprising the steps of:

determining at intervals the resting metabolic rate of the user using an indirect calorimeter, wherein the interval for determining the resting metabolic rate of the user is adjusted based on changes in the user'"'"'s resting metabolic rate over time;

transmitting a signal representative of the user'"'"'s metabolic rate to a computing device operatively in communication with the indirect calorimeter, wherein the computing device includes a processor, a memory, an input mechanism, and a display;

providing data indicative of food consumed by the user over a predetermined period of time to the computing device;

providing data indicative of activities performed by the user over the predetermined period of time to the computing device;

using the food consumption data to determine caloric intake;

using the activity data, caloric intake and the resting metabolic rate to determine a caloric expenditure of the user over the predetermined period of time; and

providing the user with their caloric expenditure for the predetermined period of time.

2. The method according to claim 1, further including the step of comparing the caloric intake and the caloric expenditure to determine a caloric balance.

3. The method according to claim 2, further including the step of displaying the caloric intake, the caloric expenditure, and the caloric balance for the predetermined period of time on the computing device.

4. The method according to claim 1, further including the step of providing a food database in a memory of the computing device containing nutritional data for a plurality of foods and using the nutritional data from the database in determining caloric expenditure.

5. The method according to claim 1, further including the step of establishing a health management goal and using the caloric intake, the activity level, and the caloric expenditure to measure progress towards the goal.

6. The method according to claim 5, further including the step of adjusting the goal, by the user, based on the progress.

7. The method according to claim 1, further including the step of transmitting data related to food consumption and activity performance to a remote location, analyzing the transmitted data in measuring progress towards a health management goal, and providing feedback to the user regarding the progress towards the health management goal.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the remote location is a remote computer operable to analyze the transmitted data and provide feedback.

9. The method according to claim 1, further including the step of prompting the user at a predetermined interval to measure their resting metabolic rate using the indirect calorimeter.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of providing data indicative of an activity performed includes wearing an activity sensor by the user and transmitting a signal indicative of the user'"'"'s movement from the activity sensor to the computing device.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the computing device is a personal digital assistant (PDA).

12. A method of managing the health of a user, said method comprising the steps of:

establishing a health management goal by the user;

determining at intervals the resting metabolic rate of the user using an indirect calorimeter;

wherein the interval for determining the resting metabolic rate of the user is adjusted based on changes in the user'"'"'s resting metabolic rate over time;

transmitting a signal representative of the user'"'"'s metabolic rate to a computing device operatively in communication with the indirect calorimeter, wherein the computing device includes a processor, a memory, an input mechanism, and a display;

providing data indicative of food consumed by the user over a predetermined period of time to the computing device;

providing data indicative of activities performed by the user over the predetermined period of time to the computing device;

using the food consumption data to determine caloric intake;

using the activity data, caloric intake and the resting metabolic rate to determine a caloric expenditure of the user over the predetermined period of time;

using the caloric intake, the activity level, and the caloric expenditure to measure progress towards the goal by the user; and

providing the user with their caloric intake, activity level, caloric expenditure and progress towards the goal on. the display of the computing device.

13. The method according to claim 12, further including the step of comparing the caloric intake and the caloric expenditure to determine a caloric balance.

14. The method according to claim 13, further including the step of displaying the caloric intake, the caloric expenditure, and the caloric balance for the predetermined period of time on the computing device.

15. The method according to claim 12, further including the step of providing a food database in a memory of the computing device containing nutritional data for a plurality of foods and using the nutritional data from the database in determining caloric expenditure.

16. The method according to claim 12, further including the step of adjusting the goal, by the user, based on the progress.

17. The method according to claim 12, further including the step of transmitting data related to food consumption and activity performance to a remote location, analyzing the transmitted data in measuring progress towards a health management goal, and providing feedback to the user regarding the progress towards the health management goal.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the remote location is a remote computer operable to analyze the transmitted data and provide feedback.

19. The method according to claim 12, further including the step of prompting the user at the predetermined interval to measure their resting metabolic rate using the indirect calorimeter.

20. The method according to claim 12, wherein the step of providing data indicative of an activity performed includes wearing an activity sensor by the user and transmitting a signal indicative of the user'"'"'s movement from the activity sensor to the computing device.

21. A health management system for a user comprising;

an indirect calorimeter for determining the resting metabolic rate of the user at an interval, wherein the interval is adjusted based on changes in the user'"'"'s resting metabolic rate; and

a computing device operatively in communication with the indirect calorimeter that receives the user'"'"'s resting metabolic rate, receives food intake by the user over a predetermined period of time and determines caloric intake, receives activities performed by the user over the predetermined period of time, correlates the user'"'"'s resting metabolic rate, caloric intake and activity level to determine the user'"'"'s caloric expenditure, and determines the user'"'"'s caloric balance from the caloric intake and the caloric expenditure, wherein the computing device includes an input mechanism, a memory, a processor, and a display.

22. The system according to claim 21 wherein the computing device is a personal digital assistant (PDA).

23. The system according to claim 21 wherein the indirect calorimeter operatively communicates with the computing device via a wired communications link.

24. The system according to claim 21 wherein the indirect calorimeter operatively communicates with the computing device via a wireless communications link.

25. The system according to claim 21 wherein the user uses the input mechanism to provide a health management goal that is maintained in the memory of the computing device.

26. The system according to claim 21 wherein a food database containing nutritional data for a plurality of foods is maintained in the memory of the computing device.

27. The system according to claim 21 wherein a health management software program in the memory of the computing device uses the metabolic rate data, caloric intake data and physical activity level data to provide the user information relating to the user'"'"'s progress towards a predetermined health management goal.

28. The system according to claim 21 wherein the health management software modifies the goal set by the user based on changes in at least one of the metabolic rate, caloric balance, progress towards the goal, activity level or caloric intake of the user.

29. The system according to claim 21, wherein the health management software modifies the interval for measuring the resting metabolic rate of the user based on changes in the metabolic rate of the user over time.

30. The system as set forth in claim 21, wherein the indirect calorimeter includes:

a respiratory connector configured to be supported in contact with the subject so as to pass respiration gases as the subject breathes;

a flow pathway operable to receive and pass the respiration gases, the flow pathway having a first end in fluid communication with the respiratory connector and a second end in fluid communication with a source and sink of respiratory gases;

a flow meter configured to generate electrical signals as a function of the instantaneous flow of respiration gases passing through the flow pathway; and

a component gas concentration sensor operable to generate electrical signals as a function of the instantaneous fraction of the component gas in the respiration gases as the gases pass through the flow pathway.

31. The system as set forth in claim 30, wherein the component gas sensor is an oxygen sensor.

32. The system as set forth in claim 21, further including an activity sensor Operatively in communication with the computing device via a communications link for sensing activity by the user.

33. The system as set forth in claim 32, wherein the activity sensor includes an accelerometer for sensing movement by the subject.

34. The system as set forth in claim 21, whereby the intervals over time are increased in length after an initial period has elapsed.

35. The system as set forth in claim 21, further comprising a means for transmitting data related to food intake and activity level to a remote location that analyzes the transmitted data for measuring progress towards the health management goal, and provides feedback to the user regarding the progress towards the health management goal.

36. The method according to claim 35, wherein the remote location is a remotely located computer operable to analyze the transmitted data and provide feedback to the user.

37. A system of health management for a user comprising:

means for measuring resting metabolic rate of the user by indirect calorimetry at intervals;

means for transmitting a first signal representative of resting metabolic rate to a means for receiving said first signal of resting metabolic rate;

means for receiving a second signal representative of food consumed by the user over a predetermined period of time;

means for determining caloric intake from said second signal of food consumed;

means for receiving a third signal representative of activity level of the user for the predetermined period of time;

means for determining a caloric expenditure for the predetermined period of time from the first signal of resting metabolic rate, caloric intake and third signal of activity level;

means for displaying the caloric expenditure to the user; and

means responsive to the caloric expenditure for adjusting the interval for measuring resting metabolic rate based on changes in the user'"'"'s resting metabolic rate over time and transmitting the adjusted interval to the user.

38. The system as set forth in claim 37, wherein the means for measuring resting metabolic rate is an indirect calorimeter comprising:

a respiratory connector configured to be supported in contact with the subject so as to pass respiration gases as the subject breathes;

a flow pathway operable to receive and pass the respiration gases, the flow pathway having a first end in fluid communication with the respiratory connector and a second end in fluid communication with a source and sink of respiratory gases;

a flow meter configured to generate electrical signals as a function of the instantaneous flow of respiration gases passing through the flow pathway; and

a component gas concentration sensor operable to generate electrical signals as a function of the instantaneous fraction of the component gas in the respiration gases as the gases pass through the flow pathway.

39. The system according to claim 38, wherein the component gas sensor is an oxygen sensor.

40. The system according to claim 37, wherein the means for determining caloric intake includes a food database containing nutritional data for a plurality of foods.

41. The system according to claim according to claim 37, wherein the means for determining caloric expenditure is a caloric intake calculator operable to receive the data indicative of food consumed and to retrieve nutritional data from the database corresponding to the data indicative of food consumed, the calculator further operable to tally the nutritional data over a period of time.

42. The system according to claim 37, wherein the means for receiving the first signal, means for receiving the second signal, means for determining caloric intake, means for receiving the third signal, means for determining caloric expenditure, display means, and adjusting means are integral to a personal digital assistant (PDA).

43. The system according to claim 37 further comprising a means for providing the user access to a remote computer system through a communications network so as to allow the person to communicate with the remote computer through the communications network, so that at least the user may view data relating to their health management plan stored on the remote computer system through the communications network.

44. The system according to claim 37 further comprising an activity sensing means disposed on the user and operatively in communication via a communication link for sensing activity by the user.

45. The system as set forth in claim 44, wherein the activity sensing means includes an accelerometer for sensing movement by the user.

46. The system as set forth in claim 37, further comprising a means for determining a caloric balance using the caloric intake and total caloric expenditure for the predetermined period of time.

47. The system as set forth in claim 46, further comprising a means for receiving a health management goal from the user, and a means for comparing the goal to the caloric balance to determine progress toward the goal.

48. The system as set forth in claim 37 further comprising a means for transmitting data related to food intake and activity level to a remote location that analyzes the transmitted data in measuring progress towards the health management goal, and provides feedback to the user regarding the progress towards the health management goal.

49. The system as set forth in to claim 48, wherein the remote location is a remotely located computer operable to analyze the transmitted data and provide feedback.