WO2013181711A1

WO2013181711A1 - System and method for weight management

Info

Publication number: WO2013181711A1
Application number: PCT/AU2013/000608
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kelly Arbuckle
Original assignee: Jf Arbuckle Medical Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2012-06-08
Filing date: 2013-06-07
Publication date: 2013-12-12

Abstract

A system and method for weight management and loss is provided. The system and method regulate the quantity and constitution of the food and the system and method regulate the speed at which a meal is consumed so as to trigger a natural satiety response. In one aspect of the invention there is provided a timer adapted to communicate with a subject during a meal over a predetermined time interval, whereon the subject in response to the timer completes the meal on or after the expiry of said predetermined time interval.

Description

TITLE

System and Method for Weight Management

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system and method for weight management. In particular although not exclusively the present invention is directed to a system and method for controlling the speed at which a meal is consumed so as to trigger a natural satiety response.

Discussion of the Background Art

Various experts are quoted as saying that over 50% of the Western World's population is overweight or obese. Certain population groupings within the whole, particularly children, are at greater risk of both psychological and physiological morbidity. There are many contributing factors to this phenomenon such as non-compulsory physical education at schools, video games etc, however, the main suspect is the modern diet and the way in which meal time is conceived by modern society. Portion sizes have doubled and often tripled over the past 30 years. Some "foods" are only partially recognised as such by our physiological cues. Meal time, which was once a landmark in the day, looked forward to by family members, is now becoming no more than a quick refuelling stop often conducted in front of the TV or at a work desk.

The natural hunger-satiety system works in a simple way in that when we are hungry we seek food and we eat it. From the time we start to eat we release Peptide Satiety Hormones (amongst other responses) in an escalating cascade which floods into our blood stream to be read and de-coded by satiety centres in the Hypothalamus of our brains. Once the hormones reach a critical level the Hypothalamus then triggers the cerebral messages of satiety. This whole process culminates in around 17 - 20 minutes. Recent research shows that modern human eating behaviours, including the nature of the food and the speed at which we eat it, causes the satiety cascade to be bypassed and over-ridden and eventually blunted. This results in a person often over indulging at meal times, as the sensation of fullness is registered, if at all, only after a vast amount of calories have been consumed. Clearly, it would be advantageous to provide a system and method that would assist in the management of a subject's weight by ensuring that the natural satiety response is not bypassed during the consumption of a meal. It would also be advantageous to provide a system and method which would assist in the retraining of the eating habits of a subject in order to elicit the natural satiety response.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosure of the Invention

In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for training a subject to consume a meal within a predetermined time period the device including:

a base unit having a plurality of selectable modes the base including a receptacle for receipt of a serving dish carrying the meal for consumption, the receptacle including a set of scales for weighing the meal;

a display for providing a series of visual stimuli relating to the consumption of the meal over the predetermined time period;

an audio unit for the playback of audio content during the consumption of the meal over the predetermined time period; and

wherein length of the predetermined, visual stimuli and audio content varies for each user mode. The display may be configured to display a timer for indicating the amount of elapsed time within the predetermined time period and/or designated eating and resting intervals within the predetermined time period to the subject. The displayed timer could be in the form of an elongate bar including a series of coloured bands to indicate various eating and resting intervals. The display may also be configured to provide a set of instructional messages to guide the user in the consumption of the meal within the predetermined period. The audio content includes one or more coaching tracks for play back during the eating intervals. The coaching tracks may be different motivation, instructional messages including messages like "enjoy your meal", "have a break", " at this time your body Is responding to hormone releases of...", "please resume your meal", "you may complete your meal", "well done for completing your meal slowly" or the like. Suitably the coaching tracks are divided into a number of categories each category being set to play out at set eating and resting intervals. The coaching tracks may be customised for specific user modes for example the content coaching tracks for the adult male may be different to that of the coaching tracks for female and child modes

Preferably the base unit is configured to delay the start of the meal if the weight of the meal exceeds the maximum allowable weight for a particular user mode. The maximum allowable meal weight for the adult male mode is 400g, the adult female mode is 350g and child mode is 400g

Suitably the predetermined time interval may be about 10 to 17 minutes, 15 to 22 minutes, 15 to 20 minutes, 17 to 20 minutes, 18 to 20 minutes, 16 to 22 minutes, 17 to 22 minutes. Most preferably the predetermined time interval is in the order of 17 to 18 minutes in duration for adult males and females and 16 minutes.

The timer may be adapted to receive data regarding various attributes of the subject, such as the subject's weight, height, age, gender or the like. The timer may be configured to adjust the predetermined time interval based on the received data. Suitably the system and method may further include the usage of an assortment of cutlery, crockery, glassware or the like. The cutlery, crockery, glassware may be designed to further assist in weight loss by controlling the portion size of different food types consumed by the subject. For example the crockery and glassware may be provided with markings to indicate recommended portion sizes, while the cutlery may be appropriately sized to limit the amount of food which it can carry i.e. cutlery is sized to limit amount of food in any given mouthful taken by the subject.

To further assist with portion control the functional base may include a weighing mechanism, such as a set of scales for weighing the servery platform when loaded. Weighing the servery platform in this manner ensure that the meal does not exceed a given weight. This further reduces the risk of a subject over-consuming heavy, dense (therefore high calorie) foods. Suitably the weight of the loaded servery platform is displayed on the timer's display. Alternatively weight of the loaded servery platform could be displayed on a dedicated display housed within the functional base.

In the case where the system and method utilises an assortment of cutlery, crockery, glassware or the like, the timer may be incorporated within any one of these implements. For example the timer could be integrated within the body of a plate, glass or other suitable servery apparatus. The system and method may also incorporate the use of a snack box, which enables a subject to have a snack such as a chocolate bar etc, during certain recognised danger times e.g. between 3 to 4pm in the afternoon without exceeding their recommended daily calorific intake. Suitably the snack box is sized to provide a snack between 100-200 calories. A portable timer may also be provided along with the base unit to assist in the for training a subject to consume a meal within. Suitably the portable timer is adapted to be attached to a lanyard, key ring, keychain or the like. The portable timer may include a display for indicating the amount of elapsed time within the predetermined time period and/or designated eating and resting intervals within the predetermined time period to the subject. The display may include a series of flashing lights, LCD display or other suitable visual indicator.

The display on the portable timer may include at least one LED to indicate the amount of elapsed time within the period. Preferably the LED is scanned across the display between a start and end position throughout the duration of the predetermined time period. Suitably the LED is scanned between the start and end positions at a rate of approximately 20 to 30 seconds. The designated eating interval is preferably between 1.5 to 3 minutes in duration. Suitably the designated resting interval is between 1 to 2 minutes. The LED may change its display colour during the designated eating and resting intervals for example the LED could change from green to red to provide a further visual reference that designated rest interval has commenced.

Where the portable timer includes an LCD display the portable timer could be programmed to provide additional information to the subject for example motivational messages, feed back information on the rate of consumption for example advising the subject that he/she should have consumed so much of the meal by a given marker within the predetermined period if they are to complete the meal within or on expiry of the predetermined time period.

The portable timer may also include an audible alarm, such as a tone generator, beeper, buzzer, voice synthesizer or the like. In the case where the timer includes a voice synthetiser the timer may be adapted to provide a series of message regarding the subject progress, and one or more motivational messages including messages like "enjoy your meal", "have a break", "please resume your meal", "you may complete your meal", "well done for completing your meal slowly" or the like.

In the case where the portable timer includes an audible alarm specific sounds such as a beeping sound to alert different instructions to the subject. For example, a specific beep could be used once the timer is pressed at the beginning of a meal while a different beep is used at the end of a predetermined time interval instructing the subject that the meal or drink may be completely consumed. Specific beeps could also be used to alert the subject when to eat or drink, when to pause or rest from consumption and then when to resume eating or drinking again encouraging the subject to consume the meal or beverage at a reduced rate. The portable timer may be adapted to receive data regarding various attributes the subject, such as the subject's weight, height, age, gender or the like. The portable timer may be configured to adjust the predetermined time interval based on the received data.

In an alternative embodiment, the present invention resides in a device for training a subject to consume a meal within a predetermined time period, the device including:

a base unit including:

a receptacle for carrying the meal for consumption, the receptacle including a set of scales for weighing the meal; and

a display for providing a series of stimuli relating to the consumption of the meal over the predetermined time period;

wherein length of the stimuli varies for each user mode.

The base unit may receive the meal directly or a serving dish carrying the meal for consumption.

The display may issue any type of stimuli including visual, and/or tactile and/or audible stimuli. Typically, the stimuli will be visual stimuli relating to the consumption of the meal over the predetermined time period. The device may further include an audio unit for the playback of audio content during the consumption of the meal over the predetermined time period.

The length of the predetermined, visual stimuli and audio content typically varies for each user mode. The user mode may be chosen according to user parameters such as gender, weight.

BRIEF DETAILS OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that this invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a base unit for use in a weight; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a serving dished for use in conjunction with the base unit of Fig 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a set of templates for the measurement of serving size of proteins according to one embodiment of the present - invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a measuring cup for the measurement of serving size of proteins, starchy carbohydrates and cereals according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective is a perspective view of a measuring spoon for the measurement of serving size of condiments and spreads according to one embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 6 is a flow chart depicting the selection of user modes according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGs. 7A to 7H are schematic diagrams depicting the initialisation of an meal program according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGs. 8A to 8E are schematic diagrams depicting the operation of a meal plan for female users according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram depicting the operation of a meal program for male users according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram depicting the operation of a meal program for child users according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable timer according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGs 12A to 12C are schematic diagrams depicting the operation of the timer for a specific meal program according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to Fig 1 there is illustrated a base unit 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The base unit 10 in this instance designed to receive a serving dish such as plate as shown in Fig 2 which is discussed in greater detail below. In this particular example, the base 10 includes a receptacle 11 for receipt of a portion of the serving dish. The receptacle 11 in this example includes a weighing mechanism, such as a set of digital scales, disposed within the base of the receptacle 11 for weighing the serving dish when loaded. The base unit 0 also includes a display 12 fitted in the upper section of the base unit 10. The unit also includes a series of control buttons 13 being disposed adjacent the display 12. The buttons 13 in are provided to control various functions associated with the operation of the base unit and display 2. The buttons 13 in this case include a power on/off 13a, mode up 13b mode down 13c, select 13d and tare 13e. The operation of these buttons in conjunction with the display 12 is discussed in greater detail below.

Fig 2 depicts one possible configuration for a serving dish 20 for use with the base unitlO. The serving dish 30 in this instance is in the form of a plate 21 which is divided into a plurality of segments 22, 23, 24. In this case the division of the plate 21 is via the use of a floral motive 25. Each of the segments is assigned a specific food group such as meat/protein in segment 22, complex carbohydrates in segment 23, and vegetables/salad in segment 24.

Each section is so sized that the serving of the food per grouping meets the minimum dietary requirement for an average subject within three main population groupings adult males, adult females and children. In each case the plate is designed to apportion each of the main food groups on a volumetric basis, segment 24, the vegetables/salad segment, contributes to 50% of the meal by volume, while the complex carbohydrates section 23 is sized such that it contributes -25% of the meal by volume and finally the meat/protein section 22 provides 25% of the meal by volume.

In addition to specially designed serving plates the applicant has also designed a number of auxiliary items such as glassware and templates for baked goods etc toe ensure that appropriate serving of the subject's desired beverage and carbohydrates such as breads etc are consumed without adding unnecessary calories. A full discussion of these auxiliary items is discussed in the applicants earlier filed international patent application PCT/AU2010/000389 now published as WO 2010/115236 the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. Since filing their earlier application the applicant has developed additional templates to ensure correct measurement of various food stuffs to ensure appropriate serving sizes.

Fig 3 depicts a set of templates 30 for the measurement of solid proteins such a beef, poultry and fish etc. As shown 30 the set in this example includes a pair 31 , 32 of measuring templates. Template 31 in this case is sized to provide the appropriate serving size of solid protein for adult males and includes a central aperture 33 and a recessed section 35. Template 32 is of a similar construction to that of template 31 , however template 32 is smaller in size that that of template 31 as it is designed to measure the appropriate protein serving for adult women. As with template 31 , template 32 includes a central aperture 34 and recessed section 36. In order to measure the serving size the appropriate template 31 , 32 may be pressed down firmly onto the desired protein causing a portion of the protein to be pressed into appropriate recess 35, 36. The portion of the desired protein outside the recessed section may then be trimmed away to produce the appropriate serving size. The serving of protein is then released from the template by applying pressure to the serving through appropriate aperture 33, 34 forcing it form the recessed section 35, 36. Alternatively the templates could be pressed into the desired protein to form an indentation matching the recesses 35, 36. The protein could then be trimmed and measured for size by reinserting it into the appropriate recess section 35, 36. Fig 4 depicts a measuring cup 40 for semi-solid/gelatinous or liquefied proteins, starchy carbohydrates and cereals. As show the cup 40 includes main body 41 and handle 42, the main body in this instance is divided into two sections lower section 43 and flared section 44. The limit of the lower section 43 (i.e. the portion of the cup below the flared section 44) in this case provides the appropriate serving size of proteins, starchy carbohydrates and cereals for adult women. The limit of the upper flared section 44 in this case provides the appropriate serving size of proteins, starchy carbohydrates and cereals for adult women.

In addition to the protein templates and measuring cup the applicant has also devised a measuring spoon 50, as shown in Fig 5, for the provision of appropriate serving sizes various condiments. The spoon 50 in this particular case includes two measuring receptacles 52, 53 disposed within the head of the spoon 51. Receptacle 52 in this example is designed to measure the appropriate serving size for sauces/ dressings and the like. The receptacle 52 also includes a spout 54 to assist with poring of the sauce/dressings from the spoon 50. The rear receptacle 53 in this particular instance is designed to measure the appropriate serving size of various spreads such as butter margarine etc.

In the present case the various templates and measures such as the measuring cup and spoon etc. are made from suitable food grade material. Preferably the templates and measures are made from soft silicone to enable the deformation of the template or measure for ready release of the serving of the desired food stuff.

Use of the various measures ensures an average daily calorie intake of 1800- 2000 calories a day for adult men and around 1300-1500 calories a day for women. Children's needs being calculated as per research. Of course it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that these intakes are merely a guide and the caloric intake for various demographics within the population groups will need to be adjusted, based on a number of factors, such as the individual's level of activity etc.

In order to effect training of the satiety response a subject is firstly required to prepare a meal based on the preset serving sizes set out on the plate 31 namely 50% of the meal by volume being composed of vegetables/salad, 25% of the meal by volume being complex carbohydrates and finally 25% of the meal by volume being protein. The plate is weighed on the scales incorporated into the base unit 0, with the weight of the loaded plate being displayed to the subject via the display 12. By weighing the loaded plate over- consumption of heavy, dense (therefore high calorie) foods can be further reduced.

Weight allowances have been researched and are determined by sex, age and activity levels. In this particular example of the system the plate is designed to provide about 450 to 550 calories for the average adult male, 350 to 500 calories for an average adult female, and appropriately determined calories for a child per meal. The base unit is able to determine based on the selected mode whether the weight of the plate exceeds a weight allowance for a particular user group. Fig 6 depicts a flow depicting the selection of user modes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

On activation of the base unit 0 (i.e. power on) 601 the user is prompted to position the empty serving dish into the receptacle 11 for weighing. Once the weight of the serving dish has been determined by the scales disposed in the base unit 10 the user is prompted to tare the weight of the empty plate 602 before its removal. Once this is complete the user is then required to select the appropriate user mode 603 via the use of the command buttons 13 in this case the user is able to select form 3 different users modes male 604, female 605 and child 606. On selection of the appropriate user mode the user is then required to place the loaded plate into the receptacle whereon the unit determines if the weight of the loaded plate exceeds the maximum weight for the selected user mode i.e. max weight male 607, max weight female 608 and max weight child 609. If the weight is exceed the unit advises the user accordingly and monitors the weight of the plate until its weight is reduced to the appropriate level.

Once the weight of the plate is within the acceptable limits the unit then prompts the user if they wish to switch on the coaching mode, in this case there are two separate coaching mode programs one for adults 610 and one for children 611. If the user elects not to utilise the coaching mode the base unit proceeds to the standard timing program for the specified user type in this case an adult timing program 612 of 18 minutes duration and a child timing program 613 of 16 minutes duration. In each of these cases the display provides specific visual cues to the user instructing them as to the consumption of their meal.

If the user elects to utilise the coaching mode the unit proceeds to secondary timing mode for the specified user type. In this case the secondary timing program for adults is again set to 17 minutes with the visual cues being synchronised with audio tracks from an adult coaching program. Similarly the secondary timing program for children is set to 16 minutes with the visual cues being synchronised with audio tracks from a coaching program containing content designed for children. The operation of the standard modes and coaching modes are discussed in further detail below.

Figs 7A to 7H illustrate possible arrangements for the layout of the display 12 during the initialisation of a meal program according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig 7A and 7B depict the arrangement of the strut up screens, as shown in Fig 7A on powering up the base unit 10 the display 12 displays the applicants corporate logo before proceeding to display a greeting as shown in Fig 7B. In the depicted examples a number of control buttons in this case mode up 13b, mode down 13c and select 13d are shown positioned adjacent one end of the screen 12, the depiction of the buttons in this instance is for the purposes of ease of discussion and it will of course be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the buttons could be position at number of locations on the base unit. After the initial start up the screens the display 12 then prompts the user to place the empty serving plate onto the base unit 10 as shown in Fig 7B. In addition to instructing the user to place the serving plate onto the base unit the display also instructs the user to select a particular button to affect the tare function. In this particular example the user is instructed to press the select button 13d which doubles as the tare button.

Once this action is complete the user is then requested to select the appropriate user mode as shown in Fig 7D. As shown the right hand end of the display provides a number of menu options each associated with a particular mode male 12a, female12b Child 12c modes and a back/return to previous menu screen option 12d. The user is able to scroll thought these options using the mode up and mode down buttons 13b, 13c with the current selection being highlight. In this case the user has highlighted the female mode, the selection of the mode is also highlighted in the top left of the display in a series of icon represent each mode the icon representing the selected mode being highlighted. Once the user has selected the appropriate mode they enter the selection by pressing the select button 13d. The display 12 prompts the user to place their meal onto the plate as shown in Fig 7E. Again the current mode selection 14 is displayed in the top left of the screen while on the right of the screen only the back menu 12d option is displayed. In addition to this the display 12 also includes weight display bar 12e disposed along the bottom of the display 2. A maximum weight for the meal for the particular user mode is shown at the far right hand end of the weight display bar 12e. As the user begins to load the meal onto the plate the weight display bar begins to fill with the current weight of the meal being displayed in a dialog box disposed at the end of the filled region, as shown in Fig 7F. Fig 7G depicts the case where the user has overloaded the plate as shown the weight display bar 12e is completely filled and the display provides an message advising the user that the maximum allowable weight has been exceeded and that the meal weight should be reduced.

Once the user has loaded their plate they are able to proceed with the meal by pressing the select button. This then causes the display to prompt the user if they wish to utilise the coaching mode as shown in Fig 7H. In this case the user is presented with two menu options on the right hand side of the display namely coaching mode on 12f or coaching mode off 12g. Again the user is able to scroll between the options using the mode up and down buttons 13b, 13c before entering the desired selection by pressing the select button 13d. The display then switches to the appropriate screen for the commencement of the meal. Figs 8A to 8E depict the configuration of the display 12 at various stages of the female meal program with the coaching mode disabled. As shown in Fig 8A the display includes a timer bar 12h disposed along the base of the display 12. The timer bar is divided into a series of coloured bands spaced at discrete intervals along the timing bar 12h. The user is then prompted to begin their meal at which time a timer is initiated with the amount of time elapsed since the meals commencement being displayed at the far left hand end of the timer bar 2h. As the meal progresses the first solid bar appears to decay as shown in Fig 8B (i.e. solid bars are used to a visual countdown timer). At the end of the first band 15a (i.e. end of first interval) the user is prompted to rest from eating. The timer bar continues to countdown toward the beginning of the next solid band 15b. The user has the option to pause and restart the timer by pressing the select button 13d, the option being displayed 16 in the upper right hand corner of the display 12. As the timer reaches the time associated with the start of the next solid band the display prompts the user to continue their meal as shown in Fig 8C. At any stage during the meal the user is able to pause the meal by pressing select button as shown in Fig 8D. The provision of the pause function enable the user to stop the timer of they need to walk away form the meal to perform some other task such as take a telephone call etc. In order to recommence the meal the user simply presses the select button to start the timer. During the course of the meal these resting and eating intervals are repeated at specific intervals i.e. the solid bands on the timer bar representing an eating period and the gaps in between representing resting intervals. Once the elapsed time has exceeded the minimum time i.e. 17-18 minutes in the case of an adult the display indicates to the user that it is ok to finish the meal as shown in Fig 8E.

Fig 9 depicts one possible arrangement for the synchronisation of the coaching content provided under the adult coaching mode and the various time periods displayed on the timing bar. As shown the coaching content is classified into a number of classes introduction, resting, coaching and conclusion. The play back of content from the various classes and its relation to the timing bar is shown in the bars aligned below the timer bar 12h. In this example the introductory content is played during the first eating interval and last for a period of approximately 1 to 1 ½ minutes. The resiting coaching content in this case is played at each rest interval denoted by the white gaps in the timer bar 12h. The resting content is approximately 1 minute in length. The coaching content in this case includes 3 separate messages each of which is 10s long. As can be seen the coaching content is played during the first 10s of each eating interval and can be played out in a looped series or alternated. The conclusion content like the coaching content is of 10s duration and is played out after the expiry of the minimum time period for meal consumption. Fig 10 depicts one possible arrangement for the synchronisation of the coaching content provided under the child coaching mode and the various time periods displayed on the timing bar. As in the case of the example discussed in relation to Fig 9 above the coaching content is classified into a number of classes introduction, resting, coaching and conclusion. The play back of content from the various classes and its relation to the timing bar is shown in the bars aligned below the timer bar 12h. Again the introduction content is played at the commencement of the meal and the resting content being played at each resting interval. Similarly the 3 versions of the coaching content are played out either in series or alternated at the start of each eating period and the conclusion content being played out on expiry of the minimum time for completion of the meal.

The main difference between the coaching scenarios depicted in Figs 9 and 10 is that the content for each scenario differs markedly. This is due mainly to the audience a child will not necessarily respond favourably to certain content that an adult would find engaging. As such each track for the adult and child coaching mode is designed to engage the particular user group to further encourage slower eating habits and to reinforce this behaviour over the course of using the base unit. The above system has been discussed in relation to the use of a functional base 10. The applicant realises, however, that it is not always practical to transport the functional base between various locations. Accordingly, the applicant has devised a portable timer 100 one example of which is illustrated in Fig. 11. The timer 100 in this instance includes an elongate body 101 a power on button 102 and a timing bar 103. The timing bar 103 in this case is composed of a series of 32 LEDs 22 green and 15 red which are lit in sequence from right to left to denote the period of elapsed time. In this particular case the LED are arranged with a pair of red LEDs (i.e. a time interval of 1 minute) disposed between sets of green LEDs. The sets of green LEDs containing at least 3 green LEDs i.e. a period of on and a half minutes between each rest interval denoted by the red LEDS with the exception of the start and ending periods which include only two green LEDs.

The operation of the timer is shown in figs 2A to 12C. To activate the timer the user is required to press and hold the power button for 3 seconds as shown in fig 12A. On activation the LEDs in the timing bar 103 flash once in sequence from left to right to indicate that the timer is on as per fig 12B. The user is then signalled to commence the meal by flashing the LED on the far right hand end of the timing bar 03. The LED is flashed about every second. The LEDs are then scanned from right to left at a rate of an LED every thirty seconds until the-last LED in the series is reached the timer powers down.

It is to be understood that the above embodiments have been provided only by way of exemplification of this invention, and that further modifications and improvements thereto, as would be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art, are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the present invention described herein.

Claims

1. A device for training a subject to consume a meal within a predetermined time period, the device including:

a base unit including:

wherein length of the stimuli varies for each user mode.

2. A device for training a subject as claimed in claim 2 wherein the base unit receive the meal directly.

3. A device for training a subject to consume a meal within a predetermined time period, the device including:

a base unit having a plurality of selectable modes the base including: a receptacle for receipt of a serving dish carrying the meal for consumption, the receptacle including a set of scales for weighing the meal;

wherein length of the predetermined, visual stimuli and audio content varies for each user mode.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein the base unit includes 3 selectable modes an adult male mode, an adult female mode and a child mode and wherein the predetermined period is set to a minimum duration of 18 minutes for each adult mode and 16 minutes for the child mode.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein the visual stimuli are a set of instructions provided on the display directing the subject to eat or rest at given intervals and wherein the audio content includes one or more coaching tracks for play back during the eating intervals.

6. The device of any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the base unit is configure to delay the start of the meal if the weight of the meal exceeds the maximum allowable weight for a particular user mode.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein the maximum allowable meal weight for the adult male mode is 450g, the adult female mode is 350g and child mode is 400g