AU2013100913A4 - An improved health and fitness management support system. - Google Patents

Abstract

An improved health and fitness management support system has a software interface accessible over the internet for inputting a user profile including the user's historical health data, lifestyle characteristics and desired health and fitness goals of the user, a body composition monitor which records at least five parameters of the user's body composition data, in communication with an internet enabled communication device for uploading the recorded user body composition data to a server, a software application loaded on the internet enabled communication device processes the data from the body composition monitor into a useable format and forwards the data to the server, the software interface is also accessed by a health and fitness professional to analyse the recorded user data with reference to the user's input profile in order to develop a customised health and fitness program for the user, the health and fitness professional can enter comments and upload the customised health and fitness program via the interface in real time.

Description

Title An improved health and fitness management support system. Background Advances in technology means that new markets and uses for that technology are being quickly 5 developed. The use of software programs to monitor and track the progress of athletes or other persons involved in supervised exercise, health or wellness programs is a relatively modern innovation however has become quite well known as an effective way of improving the results of subjects following a training .0 or health regime through constant monitoring to enable adjustments to a regime to be made according to the subject's progress. The use of computerised programs is known in the prior art. It is known to provide healthcare data management from a remote location via a networked system. The use of scales to measure body .5 indicators is also known. The use of automated scales and linked live individual profiles in a corporate or group exercise/coaching/health club environment for the purpose enhancing the interaction between user and health professional is hitherto unknown. The use of systems that incorporate an interactive element are also known. For example, US 8346524 0 B2 by Turgiss et al. describes an interactive, internet supported health and fitness management system. US8346524 B2 describes a wellness program for monitoring and managing the controlled progress of members participating in the program comprising four basic components including, in particular, "personal activity devices". Data is recorded by the user at the local station at point of use. 25 The costs of deploying and utilising the system described in US8346524 are prohibitive however. The kiosks described are expensive to install and maintain, the software interface is cumbersome and unreliable as it requires input from users who may be unskilled in its correct use and manner of data entry. Accordingly, the reliability of data recorded is a problem. 30 The system described in US8346524 is directed to a points based system which rewards users for "good" behavior. This manner of proceeding may be impractical in use and other manners of proceeding are possible. The prior art system is cumbersome and relies upon the user accurately taking measurements of his or her vital statistics. The present invention uses a simple scale to take readings which is much easier for a user to utilise and is less prone to inaccuracies of data inputted. 35 Prior art systems however do not provide a comprehensive interactive system for wellness and fitness wherein the user, health and fitness professionals and the system interface all interact with one another to the degree necessary to provide comprehensive health monitoring and management. 5 One of the problems of the prior art is that it requires an attendance at a single physical location ie the kiosk. The user needs to input a lot of data which may result in errors in readings and the users may overstate or understate some of the results as they appear, or as they are record. The present invention on the other hand requires the user to interact on a regular basis with a health .0 coach or trainer in conjunction with a fully automated scale/body composition device. This ensures proper and accurate data entry and the integrity of the measurements and the customization of the applicable programs and health programs. It is essential that the user coming fact to face contact regularly with the coach in the measurement of the prospect parameters which go to create the system. The coach thus develops and intimate understanding of the user and is not involved merely in .5 responding in a certain manner to data. The present system permits and individual approach which provides the user with much better chance of change and progress over time through the adoption of system and method. The present invention provides a means whereby data can be accurately recorded and used to develop 0 and customise a health and wellness program for an individual user or team of users according to their physical characteristics and specific goals. The present invention is not simply an interface whereby a user's data can be used to monitor and direct a wellness program but is more concerned with fostering the essential relationship between the user and the health and fitness coach or professional. It is an essential feature of the present invention that it promotes ease of communication between the coach 25 and subject user. An exercise, health and wellness program can then be developed by a coach according in conjunction with the user, their goals and profile data. The user's preferences are recorded and are reviewable to the coach who then can customise a health 30 and fitness program according to historical data and goals inputted by the user. The present invention is directed to providing a means through which a user's progress through health and wellness programs can be accurately monitored and updated by health and fitness professionals in order to maximize the effectiveness of the program. It is a preferred but inessential object of the 35 present invention to provide a health and fitness management support system which: (i) enables or facilitates the ready customisation of health and fitness programs to meet the specific goals of a participant user; (ii) enables or facilitates improved results of subjects using the system; (iii) enables or facilitates ease of interaction between the health and fitness professional advisors 5 and their clients/participants; (iv) enables or facilitates enhanced channels of communication between health and fitness professionals/coaches with their subjects/clients; (v) is easy to use; (vi) enables or facilitates improved accuracy of measurement criteria; .0 (vii) enables or facilitates scalability of the system; (viii) can be deployed and operated remotely; (ix) utilises existing telecommunications devices. It is a further preferred but inessential object to provide a health and fitness management support .5 system which inspires and motivates users to make positive changes to their lives and fitness and health regimes. The system focuses on the individual user, incorporates their goals and desires and tailors personalised programs for users to reach these goals within the parameters of the individual user's 10 ability, physical and personal limitations. The main difference between the present invention and the prior art systems, particularly such as the system described in US8346524, is as follows: 25 * The use of a scale is more practical and more economical than the kiosk approach * personal and real physical health coach is appointed as opposed to merely being an interface between a computer and a user * The user develops and is required to develop a personal relationship with the coach who administers the system 30 * in person consultations are included as a part of the system to assist in the customisation of a health and wellness exercise regime which is appropriate to the user's end goals * Includes but is not limited to an examination of muscle mass, hydration, body fat and body weight of the user at various points in time * Personal and real coach allows for individualization of programs 35 * Support and specific programs * Scalable by number of users and number of coaches involved * Is adaptable to multiple coaching environments including corporate and team as well as individual programs * There will be a whole team of professionals and advisers to support the user in the use of the system including, a nutritionists, naturopaths, physical trainers, wellness coaches, yoga 5 teachers, Chinese masseurs, medical doctors, etc. The system of the present invention offers a more holistic and complete method of approaching the problem that is disclosed in the prior art. .0 Drawings Figure 1 is a graphic representation of the master-slave communication between the BCM and user's tablet computer. Figure 2 is a flowchart of the application process. Figure 3 is a screen shot of the typical Welcome Screen. .5 Figure 4 is a screen shot of sample Terms and Condition of Use. Figure 5 is a screen shot of a sample Log In page for use with the sstem. Figure 6 is a screen shot of the Measurements Screen. Figure 7 is a screen shot of a sample Farwell Screen. Figure 8 is a screen shot of the Screen Saver page. 20 Figures 9 through 12 are a series of screen shots showing typical pages at the backend/administrator's view of the system. Figures 13 through 16 are a series of screen shots which appear at the user's end of the system once they have logged in. Description 25 The present invention is a system for enabling the accurate measurement and monitoring of a user's body composition and utilising captured data to tailor individual exercise, nutrition and wellness programs for users. The invention relies upon the input of qualified and experienced health, fitness and nutritional professionals to interpret the captured data and to customise health and wellness programs for users. 30 Statics indicate that approximately 6% of government spending goes to the prevention of obesity by education and that figure is expected to increase as Australia currently has one of the world's highest percentage of obese adults and children per capita and according to the press, the percentage is increasing. Millions of dollars are spent annually attempting to reverse this worrying trend. 5 Unhealthy people are less productive at work, using this system will make employees more productive. There are existing online programs however none of them provide for the uploading of individuals profiles through which they can liase directly with their personal health coach. Typically programs don't provide for employees to physically meet and engage with their health coach and there are issues with compliance as often large percentages of employees are not interested in the .0 method or topic of the health program as they believe it does not relate to them individually. Invention resides in the use of an existing body composition measurement device, combining that device with a software interface developed by the inventor to enable the uploading of personalised goals of users and facilitating the use of the user's goals, personal history and body composition data .5 by health and wellness professionals to develop a customised health and wellness program for the user according to the user's goals and recorded data over time. The five parameters that typically are measured by the scale include: 1. Body fat .0 2. Muscle mass 3. Hydration' 4. BMI (body mass index) 5. Weight 25 There may be a Bluetooth or wireless connection between the scale and the tablet computer. Other devices with WIFI or Bluetooth connectivity may also be utilised without departing from the scope of invention. The use of the scale and tablet computer enables real time monitoring and uploading of the five parameters measured by the scale and the accuracy of the measurements will be 90% plus or minus 5 % according to the manufacturer's literature and stated warranty. 30 The use of tablet computers or other remotely located hand held devices by users may be problematic as the user may not use it properly if they don't follow the set prompts. It is partly for this reason the present system requires the direct and regular input from a qualified health and fitness coach to ensure the accuracy of measurements and also in goal setting and tracking a subject's progress. 35 The underlying idea is to provide live and or real time support through the scale from the coach who is located on the other end of the computer otherwise such measurements and feedback would take up to a week to process the system facilitates a quick turn around and provides the user with almost instantaneous feedback as to their progress and directing their health and wellbeing. The system involves a BCM, typically a scale, an interface which could be displayed upon a PDA 5 tablet or other hand held (portable) device and the coaches' server or computer. Face to face meetings are an essential part of the system. The system involves a new user completing a questionnaire. In some preferred embodiments the interface itself has a login in page, whereupon the user fills out a questionnaire, and the user fills out a profile and once created, the user can view his or her profile and make relevant changes and track progress over time of their fitness, health, and wellness. .0 Alternatively the user may set his profile by logging in to a webpage over the internet using a PC for storage on the coaches' or an administrator's server. The data from the questionnaire is then used to create a personalised user profile that can be viewed and edited by the user over time. A face to face consultation between user and health coach is then conducted where initial and additional measurements including but not limited to Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Glucose, Pulse, Frame type, .5 and waist to hip ratio. Data and recordings are taken and input into the user profile along with some relationship building between the health coach and user. A portable or fixed scale/BCM is then stored at a location suitable for the user to access, (office, sports club, lunch room, gym, etc) and users are encouraged to use them over time. The scale/BCM has an interface that allows for the data/readings to be instantly uploaded in the individual users profile during use where they are then recorded, graphed 0 and monitored against the user's goals by their personal health coach. The health coach/coaches or consultants are supported by a team of health fitness and wellness professionals that may include, dietitian, personal trainers, naturopaths, nutritionists, yoga instructors, Chinese medicine, different health practitioners all of whom will assist in supporting 25 everyone, mediation may also be a part of it. The idea behind the system is to break down the barriers for people getting help with their health. Other systems are cost prohibitive they promote non familiarity and have limited styles/approaches/fields this system enables user to acquire professional help and guidance across a range of formats and disciplines under one cost effective program. The result will reflect broad success and progress overtime across a wide verity of people. This program 30 has something of interest to everyone, it's not one topic or method for 100 people, rather, it is 100 different programs for 100 different people under one banner. It is easy to assimilate the learning once the user has been introduced to the program. The system supports the care of individuals whether they are in a corporate or personal environment. 35 The system is scalable in so much as if there are 100 people involved in the program there can be 100 different customised programs developed by health and wellness coaches.

There are 5 parameters which are measured directly through the scales, namely, body fat, muscle mass, hydration, body mass index (BMI) and weight. These parameters can be easily measured by the user themselves using the scales and viewing their instantly updated profile or and can be checked in face to face meetings with the coach or administrator of the system. Other measurements such as the 5 waist to hip ratio, blood pressure and cholesterol readings are an integral part of the system. In face to face meetings with the coach, any number of other health, fitness and wellness measures can be taken and monitored including skin fold, lung capacity, strength, blood glucose, pulse, etc. various times for swimming, weight lifting or any other activities or measurement criteria can be checked and set against the particular user's personal record. .0 A scale, that is suitable for the present application, by way of non-limiting example, is the Ironman@ Inner Scan@ Model BC-1500 produced by Tanita Corporation although other scales may be employed without departing form the scope of the invention. The BC1000 for example is also suitable for use with the system as is the Tanita BC-1OOF. The Model BC-1500 is variously described as a "body .5 composition monitor" ("BCM") and a body fat monitor. The device measures weight and impedance of the user. From these measurements values are calculated for total and segmental body fat percentage, body water, total and segmental muscle mass, physique rating, bone mass, visceral fat rating with healthy range, basal metabolic rate (BMR), daily calorie intake (DCI) and metabolic age. 0 Data recorded by the BCM is automatically uploaded to the user's PC by wireless or Bluetooth telecommunications. Alternatively, a USB or other connection can be used between the scale and the user's PC. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the scale itself sends an ANT+ signal that is then received by an ANT+ USB receiver connected to a tablet computer. The tablet computer then instantly inputs the data into the individual user's profile. The tablet is WI Fl connected which 25 updates the profile at the server and can then be viewed on any internet enabled device anywhere. The system of the present invention can be run using an AndroidTM application although other programming languages may be utilised depending upon the desired functionality. The android application used in the system is based around a single, core process which sends the user's height, 30 age and gender to the Tanita scales or other BCM device. It then takes the body compositions from the scales and then uploads these measurements to the user's online profile. In the preferred embodiment, the process can be broken down into the following steps: 1. Send/Receive ANT+ signal from scale 35 The Ant+ transceiver sends and receives messages in 8 unsigned byte packages transmitted 4 times a second (4Hz). In this package the Least Significant Byte is always the Ant+ page number. This page number is used to describe the meaning for each following byte. Since Ant+ is not a common data type on the Android platform each data package needs to be constructed / deconstructed manually. Table 1 below shows the ANT+ Data8 Byte Package Structure. 7: Sensor 6: Sensor 5: Sensor 4: Sensor 3: Sensor 2: Sensor 1: Sensor 0: ANT+ Specific Specific Specific Specific Specific Specific Specific Page Data Data Data Data Data Data Data number Table 1 - ANT+ Data8 Byte Package Structure 5 Communication between the tablet and the scale begins by pairing the two devices in a Master / Slave architecture as set out in Figure 1. a. Pairing: .0 Pairing Ant+ devices can be completed using two different methods, Wildcard and Specific searches. A wildcard search looks for any Ant+ scale in proximity to the transceiver and a specific search looks for a scale with the designated serial number. For this process a specific search is used so that there are no conflicting messages. The serial number is set on first use by entering "serial" into the email section and the [Tanita serial number] into the password field in the login page. .5 Once this value is set the tablet is designated as the Master and the Scale is the Slave. From here the app needs to send through the user's height, age and gender so that the body composition measurements are accurate. These values are taken from the user's online profile after Login. 0 b. Profile: The user's profile is sent through Ant page 58. Each user has a fixed Identification number this is set in byte 1 and 2. Byte 3 is used to show that both the Scale can receive a User profile from a Master but cannot change the value on its own. Byte 5 shows the user's age through the first 7 bits (0 - 127 years) the 8 h bit shows the users gender (1' or male and 0 for female). Byte 6 shows the users Height 25 and byte 7 sends the users Athleticism level, however this is constantly set to Mid-level since most users would not know how what this value means. Table 2 below shows a typical ANT user profile. 7: 6: Users 5: Age 4: 3: User 2: User ID 1: User ID 0: page 58 Descriptive Height (Bit 0-6) Reserved profile MSB LSB Bit Field and Gender for future exchange (Bit 7) changes parameters Table 2 - Ant User Profile Once this profile is set, it is simply a matter of taking the users measurements. c. Data Packaging and Ant Pages 5 The other important Ant pages which are used in this system take the users body composition measurements from the scale itself. These pages transmit the weight, Body Fat percentage, Hydration Percentage and Muscle Mass. These values can be received and deconstructed from the data packages sent form the scale which are set out below in Table 3. .0 7: Weight 6: Weight 5: Reserved 4: Reserved 3: Reserved 2: User ID 1: User ID 0: Page 1. MSB LSB MSB LSB Body Weight 7: Body 6: Body 5: % 4: % 3: Reserved 2: User ID 1: User ID 0: Page 2. Fat % MSB Fat % LSB Hydration Hydration MSB LSB Body MSB LSB Composition 7: Bone 6: Muscle 5: Muscle 4: Reserved 3: Reserved 2: User ID 1: User ID 0: Page 4. Mass Mass Mass LSB MSB LSB Body (Unused) (MSB) Composition Mass Table 3 - Data Packages Sent From the Scale 2. Process sent data to workable format The measurements taken in Table 3 are not transmitted in any generic data types so each needs to be .5 parsed so that it can be treated as an integer or floating point integer. This is achieved by putting each byte into the first two byte fields of a double variable and then divided by 100. For example, take a measurement of 15% body fat. The two bytes would come through in the following format: 10000 01011=5, {1101 11001 =220. 20 These two values mean nothing in isolation. When put together into the one variable, however, the value is equal to 1500. The final measurement can be achieved by taking this value and dividing it by 100: 1500/100 = 15.00% Body Fat. 25 This same method can be used to take each measurement. 3. Send data to remote sever The Application makes a connection to an online profile at two stages in the program, first when the user logs in and second when the measurements are uploaded. At Login the input username and Password are compared to those stored on the HCA Server. If the Username and Password are correct for a HCA profile the user's height, age and gender are downloaded. 5 The process of sending data to the server is completed using name value pairs and http posts. Name value pairs send a string followed by a value for example. "s", 234xfg445 is used to inform the website that a connection is being made from a tablet with the serial number 234xfg445. At login the device ID, email and user password are posted. Once the server confirms that these three fields are .0 acceptable the app waits for a value between 1-5 if there has been an error or 0 if there have been no problems. In the case of a returned 0 the app waits for a JSON array. This JSON Array holds the users height, age and gender. Using a string buffer, this array is parsed and the values are stored for later use. .5 Once the User's measurements have been taken, the values are automatically uploaded. This is performed using the same "Name Value Pair" and "Http Post" method. However to make sure that there are no mistakes while uploading to specific categories the app "query's" the server for a designated field name (i.e. Body Fat%, Weight, etc) and then an ID number for this parameter is returned. Using this ID number the measurement is uploaded to its specific field on the HCA server. .0 After this point the user is able to view these and previous measurements online. 4. Application Process The Application is designed to work through 3 activities as set out in Figure 2. The first Activity 25 takes the user through a welcome screen, Terms and conditions and Login. The second activity is where the user takes his or her measurements. This activity has a number of error checking components since it uses the ANT+ radio services to connect to the scale. While this service is mostly stable when the scale and App have been paired, incorrect pairing can cause the activity to crash. Activity 3 is used to upload the Users measurements and to show a farewell message. This Activity 30 structure allows control to return to the stable Activity 1 if a crash occurs in Activity 2. In each activity there is a time-out used to register user inactivity. If a user hasn't interacted with the tablet for 2 minutes a screen saver is activated. This screen saver is exited when the user touches the screen. This action will return the App to Activity 1. 35 User Interface 1. Welcome screen (Figure 3) 2. Terms and Conditions (Figure 4) 3. Log In Page - User name and password (Figure 5) 4. Measurements Page (Figure 6) 5 5. User to take shoes and socks off 6. User steps on scales 7. The parameters and readings are instantly uploaded to the users profile via the handheld computer or tablet this is in term transmitted electronically to the coach's server or computer. The software itself has front and back page the user can only access the front and does not see the .0 details on the back page with are administrated by the coach or administrator team 8. Farewell Screen (Figure 7) 9. Screen saver (Figure 8) Back End - Administrator's/Coach's page .5 1. Notes and records are maintained on the back page located on the server 2. Front page for the user's view includes statistic data, graphs of data and progress over time, contact feed to health coach (messages) and articles, news stories and the like relating to topics of interest to the individual user according to their interest and goals. Also, exercise programs, O0 individual food plans and nutrition advice, information relating to personal goals can also be received and viewed by the user. 3. Back page records user progress and suggests programs that may be suitable for the user according to their profile and results. 4. The survey information will involve the user or subscriber's family health history in as much 25 detail as possible. 5. Using the system, the coach or other practitioners can develop programs for health and wellness according to the diet and lifestyle to the user. In this manner the program can become whatever the user wants it to be. For example, a diet and lifestyle advice service, or a health and wellness monitoring service. The system is adaptable for multiple user and multiple environments and 30 could be used in gyms, corporate environment, yoga teachers or nutritionists and or doctors involved in preventative care. Figures 9 through 12 show examples of what details the administrator and health coaches will have access to in order to ensure a user's progress through the system. 35 Figure 13 through 16 show examples of pages that the user will typically have access to assist him or her in setting, measuring and achieving their health and fitness goals. Useful and topical articles can be added to the user's home page according to their uploaded profile. 5 The essence of the invention is the use of an automated data entry system, interaction between the BCM, the personal user profile input by the user and checked by the health coach, and the health coach (with the support of a team of health fitness and wellbeing professionals) in a highly efficient manner that allows for high quality personalised health, fitness and wellbeing advice and programs for individual users on a large scale ultimately creating a system where high levels of success and .0 progress towards individual goals can be better achieved across large and small teams, groups and organisations alike. The present system has been specifically designed for use by personal trainers and corporate health coaches, athletic coaches although the use of the system has universal application and may be .5 particularly useful for use by corporate trainers, psychologists and the military. The use of body composition monitors as a tool for enhancing physical training programs is well known however the data produced by BCMs is not easily to achieve optimal results for users or transposed into training programs by users unless they possess health or fitness qualification and experience. The data is not often used as effectively as it could be to plan and design physical training programs. Ample 0 opportunity exists for the more effective use of data retrieved and/or produced by BCMs of athletes or employees in a corporate environment. Additional data which may be used to compliment raw heart rate measurements is not easily integrated with existing apparatuses and methods so as to enable users to accurately assess the workloads, output, strength improvements in real time or over time. 25 This information can be used to measure progress over the course of a training program and to maximise the benefits from particular exercises in a customised training regime. The use of the present invention provides greater accuracy than known methods and can be delivered much more cheaply and with wider application than current methods which can only be performed in 30 a laboratory setting with the use of oxygen masks, treadmills, and costly scientific measuring apparatus. The invention is useful for personal trainers and can be used as a tool for enhancing the training programs of personal trainers' clients. Body fat change over time can be mapped, recorded and 35 predictive assessments can be made when designing training programs for athletes. This is most advantageous in convincing athletes that a particular training regime will actually achieve the results that they desire.

The present invention is a tool that can quantify progress over time and according to a specific program. Currently used pinch and other performance measurement tests are inaccurate and do not take into 5 account real time heart rate and physical output data. An advantage is that the data lasts forever and can be used for analysis of health over many years. The data further can be used in designing healthy lifestyle programs including a combination of exercise training and food consumption plans. .0 It is useful in any environment where the user's body composition parameters are being monitored to assist in providing real time bio-feedback for real time or post facto analysis. The data captured by the apparatus can be easily transferred between a range of devices such as smart .5 phones, computers for display and manipulation by the user and the coach or health and fitness professional in real time. Tablet computers, smartphones and laptop computers are particularly useful for use with the present invention. -o Another benefit is the increased safety for users and better more accurate results of training programs. The apparatus and method of the present invention can readily be used in the design of training programs. 25 Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the examples provided above are not intended to be limiting and that other embodiments of the invention and fall within the scope of the disclosure herein set out are possible without departing from the scope of invention. In the claims which follow, and in the preceding description, except where the context requires 30 otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the apparatus and method as disclosed herein.

Claims (5)

1. An improved health and fitness management support system comprising: a software interface accessible over the internet for inputting a user profile including the user's 5 historical health data, lifestyle characteristics and desired health and fitness goals of the user; a body composition monitor which records at least five parameters of the user's body composition data, in communication with an internet enabled communication device for uploading the recorded user body composition data to a server; a software application loaded on the internet enabled communication device processes the data .0 from the body composition monitor into a useable format and forwards the data to the server; the software interface is also accessed by a health and fitness professional to analyse the recorded user data with reference to the user's input profile in order to develop a customised health and fitness program for the user; the health and fitness professional can enter comments and upload the customised health and .5 fitness program via the interface in real time.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the body composition monitor is a scale with wireless connectivity to the user's internet enabled device.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the body composition monitor communicates directly with the server. .0

4. An improved system of health and fitness management support including the steps: (i) a user creates a health and fitness profile including the user's historical health data, lifestyle characteristics and desired health and fitness goals through a software interface accessible via the internet; (ii) the user profile is stored upon a remotely located server; 25 (iii) the user records personal data upon a body composition monitor which is paired with an internet enabled device accessible to the user; (iv) the personal data is uploaded to the internet enabled device and processed into a useable format; (v) the internet enabled device uploads the data in useable format to the remotely located 30 server; (vi) the personal data is analysed by a health and fitness professional with cross-reference to the user profile; (vii) the health and fitness professional develops a personalised health and fitness regime for the user according to preferences set as part of the user profile; (viii) the regime is communicated to the user through the software interface; (ix) the user re-records personal data upon the body composition monitor according to the regime set by the health and fitness professional; (vii) the health and fitness professional communicates with the user regularly to discuss progress 5 over time and adjusts the regime accordingly.

5. An improved system of health and fitness management support including the steps: (i) a user creates a health and fitness profile including the user's historical health data, lifestyle characteristics and desired health and fitness goals through a software interface accessible via the internet; .0 (ii) the user profile is stored upon a remotely located server; (iii) the user records personal data upon a body composition monitor which measures a minimum of five body composition parameters including body fat, muscle mass, hydration, body mass index and weight; (iv) the body composition monitor is paired with an internet enabled device accessible to the .5 user; (v) the personal data is uploaded to the internet enabled device and processed into a useable format; (vi) the internet enabled device uploads the data in useable format to the remotely located server; .0 (vii) the personal data is analysed by a health and fitness professional with cross-reference to the user profile; (viii) the health and fitness professional develops a personalised health and fitness regime for the user according to preferences set as part of the user profile; (ix) the regime is communicated to the user through the software interface; 25 (x) the user re-records personal data upon the body composition monitor according to the regime set by the health and fitness professional; (xi) the health and fitness professional communicates with the user regularly to discuss progress over time and adjusts the regime accordingly. 30