U.S. patent application number 10/446086 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-15 for system and method for monitoring weight and nutrition.
This patent application is currently assigned to National Wrestling Coaches Association. Invention is credited to Neiman, David, Peplinski, Daniel M., Utter, Alan.
Application Number | 20040007240 10/446086 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46299328 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040007240 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Peplinski, Daniel M. ; et
al. |
January 15, 2004 |
System and method for monitoring weight and nutrition
Abstract
A method for providing weight and nutritional information
involves input of subject data such as weight, body fat percentage,
and expected activity levels. The method allows users to input an
assessment of a subject, which can be used to generate a weight
plan for the subject. The weight plan can include minimum weights
for the subject, each of the minimum weights being associated with
a time. The method can also be used to generate a nutrition plan
based on the subject data entered. A subject can build the
nutrition plan by responding to a series of food exchange item
prompts.
Inventors: |
Peplinski, Daniel M.;
(Okemos, MI) ; Utter, Alan; (Boone, NC) ;
Neiman, David; (Weaverville, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CONNOLLY BOVE LODGE & HUTZ LLP
SUITE 800
1990 M STREET NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20036-3425
US
|
Assignee: |
National Wrestling Coaches
Association
|
Family ID: |
46299328 |
Appl. No.: |
10/446086 |
Filed: |
May 28, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10446086 |
May 28, 2003 |
|
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10355195 |
Jan 31, 2003 |
|
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60391587 |
Jun 27, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
434/127 ;
128/921 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09B 7/00 20130101; G09B
19/0092 20130101; Y10S 128/921 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/921 ;
434/127 |
International
Class: |
A61B 010/00; G09B
019/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A method of monitoring weight, comprising: providing a plurality
of data entry options, the data entry options allowing entry of
data for generating an assessment of a subject, wherein the menu of
data entry options comprises: an option for entry of an
identification of the subject; an option for entry of subject
gender; an option for entry of at least one of subject academic
level or age; an option for entry of subject weight; and an option
for entry of data describing subject body fat percentage; storing
the assessment data on a computer-readable medium; determining
subject body fat percentage; generating a weight plan based on the
subject assessment data, wherein generating the weight plan
comprises: calculating a plurality of minimum weights for the
subject using a maximum allowable weight loss percentage for a time
period, each of the minimum weights being associated with a time
period; and storing the weight plan on a computer-readable
medium.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining subject body fat
percentage comprises: determining subject body density; determining
subject fat weight; and determining subject fat free weight.
3. The method of claim 1, comprising: displaying subject body fat
percentage; and displaying a first value of the plurality of
minimum weights.
4. The method of claim 1, comprising: providing a menu of report
options.
5. The method of claim 1, comprising: providing a menu for access
by one or more assessors, the assessor access menu providing access
for persons designated by a governing body.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the assessors menu allows an
assessor to generate an alpha master report of wrestlers.
7. The method of claim 1, comprising: providing an instruction
menu, the instruction menu including a plurality of options that
describe how to use the menus provided, one of the options
including instructions describing skin fold measurements.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein generating a weight plan
comprises: determining a first minimum weight value using subject
weight, body fat percentage, and fat weight; and iteratively
decreasing the first minimum weight by a constant factor, each
successive decrease in the first minimum weight corresponding to a
successive minimum weight period for a successive time period.
9. The method of claim 1, comprising: providing menu options for a
program addressed to scholastic wrestlers and for a program
addressed to collegiate wrestlers.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein generating a weight plan
comprises: receiving an input of subject weight; determining
subject body fat percentage; calculating a lowest allowable
weight-one based at least in part on subject body fat percentage;
and determining a plurality of minimum weight values based on the
lowest allowable weight-one, each minimum weight value being
associated with a time.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein calculating a lowest allowable
weight-one comprises: multiplying subject weight by the body fat
percentage to calculate the fat weight; subtracting the fat weight
from the body weight to calculate free fat weight; and dividing the
free fat weight by a factor.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein determining the subject's body
fat percentage comprises: determining subject hydrated weight; and
determining subject body density.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the subject is allowed to lose
a preselected percentage of his or her body weight in a discrete
time period, the preselected percentage being mandated by a
governing body.
14. The method of claim 1, comprising: providing a nutritional
plan, wherein providing nutritional plan comprises: determining an
expected energy expenditure for a subject based at least in part on
subject predicted activity level; determining a recommended energy
intake based on the expected energy expenditure; providing a list
of food exchanges for the subject; allowing the subject to select
items from the food exchanges; and providing the nutritional plan
resulting from the subject's selections.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein determining an expected energy
expenditure comprises: determining a resting energy
expenditure.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein providing a list of food
exchanges comprises: providing successive menus of differing types
of foods, and indicating an allowable quantity that may be selected
for each type of food.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein providing successive menus of
differing types of foods comprises: providing an item display of
dairy food items; providing an item display of protein food items;
providing an item display of vegetable food items; providing an
item display of fruit food items; and providing an item display of
starch food items.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein determining a recommended
energy intake comprises: determining a recommended energy intake
based at least in part on the weight plan.
19. A computer-readable medium comprising indicia representing a
program which when executed performs the following functions:
providing a plurality of data entry options, the data entry options
allowing entry of data for generating an assessment of a subject,
wherein the menu of data entry options comprises: an option for
entry of an identification of the subject; an option for entry of
subject gender; an option for entry of subject academic level; an
option for entry of subject weight; and an option for entry of data
describing subject body fat percentage; storing the assessment data
on a computer-readable medium; determining subject body fat
percentage; generating a weight plan based on the subject
assessment data, wherein generating the weight plan comprises:
calculating a plurality of minimum weights for the subject using a
maximum allowable weight loss percentage for a time period, each of
the minimum weights being associated with a time period; and
storing the weight plan on a computer-readable medium.
Description
PRIOR APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/355,195, filed Jan. 31, 2003, the entire
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. This
application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Serial
No. 60/391,587, filed Jun. 27, 2002, the entire contents of which
are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates generally to products and
methods useful for monitoring body weight and nutrition, and more
particularly to methods and products that can be used over the
Internet or through software to calculate and monitor body weight
and nutrition, especially for those in sports programs that require
weight monitoring, such as wrestling.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] Athletes, especially wrestlers, may lose weight very rapidly
to gain a competitive advantage. Athletes often use rapid weight
reduction methods in order to qualify for a certain weight
classification. For some wrestlers, in particular, weight loss is
excessive and often accomplished by methods that lead to loss of
lean body mass and total body water. There is evidence that this
excessive and rapid weight loss is unhealthy, especially for high
school wrestlers who have not yet completed their growth and
development. Negative health consequences include growth
retardation, decreased academic and cognitive performance, and
altered endocrine or hormonal function. Cycling of body weight may
also decrease strength, power and endurance, diminishing a
wrestler's likelihood of success. Three tragic deaths in late 1997
prompted the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to
make a Wrestling Weight Certification Program (WWCP) mandatory to
foster a safe competitive environment.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,387 to Summerell et al., U.S. Pat. No.
5,954,640 to Szabo and U.S. Pat. No. 6,368,272, to Porumbescu
describe various nutritional methods and algorithms. Summerell's
system can be accessed through either an Internet or intranet
format, or implemented in a stand-alone mode or a workstation or a
PC. However, none of these methods provides a product or method
that is easily employed by a user to determine how much weight a
particular individual can be expected to lose or maintain without
adverse affect to their body, and to build a nutrition plan.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,901 to Karkanen discloses an integrated
weight loss control method. Karkanen fails to disclose, however,
monitoring a subject's weight to determine a maximum allowable
weight loss over successive time periods, and building a nutrition
plan to conform to the allowable weight loss values.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,951,197 to Mellinger discloses a weight loss
management system. Mellinger fails to disclose, however, monitoring
a subject's weight to determine a maximum allowable weight loss
over successive time periods and building a nutrition plan to
conform to the allowable weight loss values.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] According to a first embodiment, a method of monitoring
weight, comprises providing a plurality of data entry options, the
data entry options allowing entry of data for generating an
assessment of a subject, wherein the menu of data entry options
comprises an option for entry of an identification of the subject,
an option for entry of subject gender, an option for entry of
subject academic level, an option for entry of subject weight, and
an option for entry of data describing subject body fat percentage.
The assessment data may be stored on a computer-readable medium. A
subject body fat percentage is determined, and a weight plan is
generated based on the subject assessment data. The weight plan is
generated by calculating a plurality of minimum weights for the
subject using a maximum allowable weight loss percentage for a time
period, each of the minimum weights being associated with a time
period.
[0010] Additional objects, features and advantages of the invention
will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part,
will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice
of the invention. The objects, features and advantages of the
invention may be realized and obtained by means of the
instrumentalities and combination particularly pointed out in the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a system for
providing nutritional and weight information;
[0012] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate menu options for executing a
method for providing nutritional and weight information;
[0013] FIGS. 2C-2J illustrate various displays for executing the
method for providing nutritional and weight information;
[0014] FIG. 3A illustrates a method for generating a nutrition
plan;
[0015] FIGS. 3B-3K illustrate various displays for executing the
method for generating a nutrition plan;
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a method for generating a weight
plan;
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a method for determining a subject's body
composition in accordance with the method shown in FIG. 4; and
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a method for generating a weight plan in
accordance with the method shown in FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] In accordance with the embodiments discussed below, a system
and method are disclosed for providing weight and nutrition
information. The information can describe, for example, a weight
plan for a subject, a subject's compliance status with a weight
plan, a nutrition plan for a subject, and other information
regarding a subject's weight, health, or nutritional status. The
system and method can be used, for example, to determine how much
weight a subject can lose while avoiding possible adverse effects
on their health. The nutrition plan can be used to ensure that the
subject follows the weight plan.
[0020] The system and method disclosed in this specification are
particularly suitable for young subjects who are still growing and
may not fully understand the harm that they may cause by losing or
gaining too much weight. According to one embodiment, a user can
determine a subject's minimum weight for a series of time periods,
and a build a diet plan according to factors such as the user's
initial body fat percentage, height, weight, and perhaps also, age.
The minimum weight at each time period can be determined according
to guidelines published by state and national athletic
organizations, such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association
(NCAA).
[0021] In one embodiment, the weight certification program of the
present invention is a web-based application that is used to
monitor the weight of certain classes of subjects. For example,
collegiate and scholastic (e.g., high school) wrestlers are
governed by specific weight guidelines, and the web-based
application can be used to monitor their weight and/or nutritional
status.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a web-based application of an
embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment is a web-based
system 1000 for monitoring weight and for providing nutritional
information. The system 1000 can perform functions, such as, for
example, building a diet plan for a subject, and providing access
to users, who need not necessarily be the subject, to information
regarding the subject. The monitoring can be performed, for
example, to ensure that the subject complies with state, national,
or other governing body guidelines.
[0023] The system 1000 comprises a server 1010 connected to a
network 1020. The server 1010 comprises one or more databases or
objects 1030. The databases 1030 can store information relating to
weight and nutritional standards, user interface programs, food
exchange data, and programs relating to remote access by users such
as web browsers and user interface programs.
[0024] The network 1020 connects the system 1000 to a plurality of
user access ports 1050. The user access ports 1050 can be, for
example, a remote computer, a laptop, a personal computer, a
workstation or any other processing device located at a site
controlled by the user. Alternatively or in addition to the
previous embodiment, a user access port 1050 can be located at a
site controlled by an owner of the system 1000, and can also be
owned by the system 1000 owner. Any number of access ports 1050 can
be coupled to the server 1010 on dedicated or non-dedicated access
lines.
[0025] The network 1020 can be, for example, the Internet, or any
other network that allows an exchange of information between a user
and the server 1010. In one embodiment, the network 1020 is a
dedicated dial-up or local area network (LAN) network. The network
1020 may include hardware such as is known in the art, including an
information line, and one or more routers. The information line can
be, for example, a telephone line or hardware supporting access via
a satellite communication apparatus. The router can be, for
example, the Internet backbone.
[0026] The server 1010 can be programmed to run and/or access one
or more programs in accordance with the methods discussed in this
specification. In one embodiment, the server 1010 is programmed to
execute a method for monitoring a subject's weight. The subject can
be the user operating at a user access port 1050, or the subject
can be a third party whose weight or other data is entered by the
user. For example, the user can be the parent and/or coach of an
athlete (subject) participating in organized sports, or a
designated assessor. The server 1010 can also be programmed to
execute a method for developing a nutritional plan for a subject,
as discussed below.
[0027] The server 1010 can include a user interface 1060, which may
be used to present menus, prompt screens, data displays, and other
information to a user at a user access port 1050. The various
prompts and screens presented to users by the interface 1060 are
discussed in detail below. The user interface 1060 can comprise one
or more programs, databases or objects, allowing input by a user
and/or transmission of information to the user.
[0028] The user access ports 1050 can include any processing
devices capable of running a network-interfacing program such as,
for example, a web browser. In a preferred embodiment, the user
access port 1050 is a personal computer (PC) programmed with
software for communicating with the server 1010. The software can
include executable instructions for providing data such as, for
example, password and login information for access to the server
1010, formatting information for providing data to the server 1010
in the proper format, or instructions for constructing, for
example, prepared forms which may be completed at the user access
port 1050 and subsequently forwarded to the server 1010.
Alternatively, the server 1010 can include a database of forms that
may be completed by a user while the user is in communication with
the server 1010 (e.g., while the user is on line). In addition, the
user access ports 1050 can have one or more peripherals attached
thereto. The user access port 1050 may also be a PC programmed with
software to save data generated for prepared forms on
computer-readable media, such as floppy disks and CD-ROMs.
[0029] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a website arrangement for
providing a weight certification service, weight plans, nutritional
information, and diet plans to users. The website arrangement can
be used to provide weight certification and compliance information,
nutritional plans, and weight loss plans concerning one or more
subject. In some cases, a user of the website will be a subject,
and in other cases the user will be a third party. For example, as
in the case of scholastic wrestlers, the subject wrestler will
usually have access only to selected portions of the website (i.e.,
the subject is a user), and a third party user such as a coach or
parent may have access to that subject's data and to other
information.
[0030] The website discussed below is discussed with reference to a
collegiate or scholastic wrestler. However, the general principles
discussed below maybe applicable to any number of sports,
particularly those in which weight and/or nutrition are relevant
factors for qualification for the sport. In addition, many aspects
of the website can be used by users who are simply interested in
obtaining a nutrition and/or weight loss plan, and who may not be
interested in participating in a sport. The website arrangement can
be programmed on and executed by the server 1010 illustrated in
FIG. 1, or by other server arrangements. The website arrangement
can also be in the form of an executable program stored on a
digital medium readable by, for example, a microcomputer or
personal computer.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 2A, a WEIGHT CERTIFICATION PAGE provides a
menu option for a COLLEGIATE menu and a SCHOLASTIC menu. The
COLLEGIATE option may be used to obtain information regarding
athletes governed by collegiate sports standards, such as those
provided by the NCAA and the NAIA. The SCHOLASTIC menu option can
be used to obtain weight information regarding athletes governed by
one or more of the various state and local governing bodies. The
options provided under the COLLEGIATE menu option can be tailored
to conform to the appropriate governing body. At the present time,
NCAA weight guidelines are used by collegiate governing bodies. The
options provided under the SCHOLASTIC menu option can also be
tailored to conform to a particular governing body's requirements.
At the present time, NCAA weight requirements are acceptable by
most state and local collegiate governing bodies. A subject who is
not governed by any particular governing body can select, for
example, either the COLLEGIATE or the SCHOLASTIC menu. In general,
the weight loss and nutrition guideline information provided under
both options is advantageous to users regardless of their
participation in sport.
[0032] The COLLEGIATE menu is illustrated in FIG. 2A. The
SCHOLASTIC menu is illustrated in FIG. 2B. If the user is neither a
collegiate nor a scholastic sport participant, the user may elect
to simply access, for example, the collegiate mode. In an
alternative embodiment, the collegiate/scholastic option may be
omitted and access can be provided directly to the menu options
disclosed under the COLLEGIATE and SCHOLASTIC menu options, where
applicable. Access to the various menus may be provided according
to the user's identity. For example, in a state with mandatory
weight certification programs, entry of data through menu options
may be restricted to persons such as coaches, or assessors
designated by the relevant governing body or bodies.
[0033] The INSTRUCTIONS menu option can be selected to obtain
specific information for using each of the menu options in the
website, or for other information relevant to the site. The
INSTRUCTIONS menu can include, for example, a description of skin
fold measurements.
[0034] The ENTERING DATA menu option is provided to allow a user to
input data regarding a subject. The subject may, in effect, be the
user, who may enter his or her own data. The ASSESSMENTS SECTION I
option provides access to an NCAA Wrestling Weight Certification
Section I form, which is illustrated as FIG. 2C. The Section I form
is used to provide an initial assessment of a wrestler at the date
of the initial assessment, or "alpha" date. As shown in FIG. 2C,
the ASSESSMENTS SECTION I menu option generates various weight data
for the subject wrestler. The weight data generated includes a
lowest allowable weight-one (LAW 1), body density (BD), percentage
of body fat (%BD), fat weight (FW), free fat weight (FFW), lowest
allowable weight-two (LAW 2), and a lowest minimum wrestling weight
(MWW). The NCAA provides the Weight Certification Section I form
and the calculations used to determine the above data.
[0035] After completing the NCAA Wrestling Weight Certification
Section I form, the data may be saved, and the form can be printed.
The subject wrestler's information is thereby saved in the
system.
[0036] The ASSESSMENTS SECTION II menu option provides a user
access to an NCAA Wrestling Weight Certification Section II form,
which is illustrated as FIG. 2D. The form is generally completed
before a wrestler's first competition. The Section II form is used
to ensure that the subject wrestler conforms to NCAA body fat
percentage requirements. The FINAL CERTIFICATION SECTION II option
is used to verify wrestler status.
[0037] The REPORTS option is used to generate reports for
information entered regarding one or more subjects. The SECTION I
AND II REPORTS menu options can be used to generate reports for all
of the wrestlers on a particular coach's team, and may list all of
the Section I and Section II information, respectively. The SUMMARY
REPORT menu option allows the user to display and print a summary
of different data concerning those subjects for which the user has
access to. A Squad List Summary Report is illustrated as FIG. 2E.
The WEIGHT LOSS PLAN menu option provides a printout of a weight
loss regimen generated by the weight certification website. A
sample weight loss plan is illustrated as FIG. 2F. In general, the
WEIGHT LOSS PLAN describes a permissible maximum weight loss for
the subject. Each date on the form includes a minimum weight that
the subject may have at that time. In the form shown in FIG. 2F,
the minimum weights are calculated to the NCAA standard of a
maximum loss of 1.5% of body weight in any one week period. The
RECERTIFICATION FORM menu option is used to generate a form to
allow a wrestler to return to a previous weight class. The WRESTLER
ACCESS menu option generates a list of wrestlers, their alpha date,
alpha weight (i.e., weight at initial assessment), login ID, and
login password. A sample wrestler access form is illustrated as
FIG. 2G.
[0038] The STUDENT ATHLETES menu option is used to generate a
weight loss plan for a subject and to generate a nutritional plan
for the subject. Developing a weight loss plan and a nutritional
plan are discussed below with reference to the SCHOLASTIC menu
option. The subject who is a student athlete will generally obtain
an I) and a password from his coach.
[0039] The coach references each subject's ID and password from the
WRESTLER ACCESS menu, which lists all of his team member IDs and
passwords.
[0040] The EDUCATION option can be used to access nutritional
information and access to, for example, an educational video. The
educational video may be provided to advise coaches, wrestlers,
parents, or other athletes and subjects on basic nutritional
principles, hydration, and weight management. The video can
include, for example, a review of basic nutritional guidelines, a
review of hydration guidelines, recommendations for weight
management, and special nutritional topics for certain classes of
subjects. For wrestlers, that could include topics such as, for
example, pre-competition meals, food and beverage intake during
competition, post-competition nutritional guidelines, healthy
choices from the school cafeteria, etc. A HELP option may also be
provided to provide information on use of the site and for other
information.
[0041] The SCHOLASTIC menu option is illustrated in FIG. 2B. The
INSTRUCTION, EDUCATIONAL, and HELP menu options can contain
information similar to the menu options under the COLLEGIATE menu
shown in FIG. 2A, and may be tailored to the scholastic side of the
website.
[0042] The COACHES menu option is provided to allow coaches to
enter data regarding subject wrestlers, and to access subject data.
The INITIAL ASSESSMENT menu option is used to generate an NWCA
Wrestling Weight Certification form. A sample NWCA Wrestling Weight
Certification form is illustrated as FIG. 2H. The NWCA form may use
calculations similar to the NCAA form illustrated in FIG. 2C, with
modifications to account for the different body composition
requirements for state or local governing bodies. For example,
according to the form shown in FIG. 2H, the minimum allowable body
fat percentage is 7%, as opposed to the 5% value shown in the NCAA
form. The system 1000 (FIG. 1) can account for national, local and
state requirements, and can generate forms that conform to the
requirements.
[0043] The APPEAL option provides a list of subject wrestlers, and
allows a user to select a subject, and to request an appeal of the
initial assessment for that wrestler. The ALPHA MASTER menu option
is used to generate an NWCA Wrestling Weight Certification Alpha
Master Report. A sample NWCA Wrestling Weight Certification Alpha
Master Report is illustrated as FIG. 21. The WEIGHT LOSS PLAN menu
option is used to generate a weight loss schedule for a subject.
The weight loss schedule provides a list of minimum weights that
the subject can have at specified dates, similar to the plan
illustrated in FIG. 2F. A sample plan is illustrated as FIG. 2J.
The wrestler's actual weight for each time can be entered in the
right column. The WRESTLER ACCESS menu option generates a NWCA
Wrestling Weight Certification Wrestler Access Report, which may
have a format similar to the form shown in FIG. 2G.
[0044] The ASSESSORS menu option is used to allow a designated
assessor to enter information in the system and to view
information. The assessor is typically a person authorized by a
governing body to monitor the weight status of one or more
subjects. The assessor may also be authorized to enter data and to
generate reports. The INITIAL ASSESSMENT option, the APPEAL option,
the ALPHA MASTER option, and the WEIGHT LOSS PLAN option may all
have functions for assessors similar to the same functions under
the COACH menus. In a state without a mandatory program, a
subject's coach can usually perform one or more assessor tasks.
[0045] The STUDENT ATHLETES menu option provides a subject student
athlete access to his data, and generates a menu of food items that
the subject can consume while conforming to the weight loss plan.
The VIEW ASSESSMENT option allows the subject to view his initial
assessment (see FIG. 2H). The WEIGHT LOSS PLAN option allows the
wrestler to view his weight loss plan (see FIG. 2J). From the
WEIGHT LOSS PLAN menu, the subject can generate a nutritional plan
that conforms to the plan. Generating a nutritional plan using the
website arrangement is discussed below with reference to FIGS.
3A-3K
[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
nutrition plan is generated for a subject. FIGS. 3A-3K illustrate
one method for generating a nutrition plan for a subject. The
method illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3K can be executed by accessing
either the COLLEGIATE menu option or the SCHOLASTIC menu option.
The nutrition plan can be selected to conform to the weight plan
generated in the method described above, and with other factors.
According to a preferred embodiment, a nutritional plan based on
the weight loss plan is generated by the system 1000. The
nutritional plan allows subjects, and in particular wrestlers, to
select from a wide variety of food products from a variety of lists
based upon, for example, their fat free weight (which may be
calculated in the certification program), their resting metabolic
rate, and their typical daily activity level. This information may
be used to calculate a number of "choices" each wrestler can select
from each list of food items (vegetables, meats, etc). The
nutritional plan can be a dynamic dietary plan, which a user and/or
subject can modify at any time, as long as the nutrition plan
requirements are satisfied. While this invention is particularly
adaptable to wrestlers, the same method or a similar method can be
employed by many types of subjects for monitoring their weight
and/or nutrition.
[0047] FIG. 3A is a block diagram of a method for generating a
nutritional plan for a subject.
[0048] FIGS. 3B-3K illustrate various displays used in executing
the method.
[0049] In step 310, the user, who will typically be the subject,
enters personal data such as age, height, and activity level (see
steps 1-3 in FIG. 3B).
[0050] In step 320, a resting energy expenditure (REE) (using a
fat-free mass based equation) is calculated.
[0051] In step 330, an average daily total energy expenditure (TEE)
(using the Bouchard system of energy equivalents for 24-hour
grouped activities) is calculated.
[0052] In step 340, a recommended daily energy intake (RDEI) is
calculated using, for example, an equation based on REE, TEE, and
the recommended rate of weight loss. RDEI can be based on factors
such as resting metabolic rate, physical activity levels, and body
composition. The Institute of Medicine has published a formula
suitable for calculating RDEI.
[0053] FIG. 3C illustrates sample calculated values for TEE and
RDEI.
[0054] In step 350, a recommended number of food exchanges are
provided. A "food exchange" is a selection of food selectable by
the subject. The food exchanges may be provided for all food
groups, and may be based on the RDEI and nutritional guidelines for
a healthy diet (e.g., based on a 55% carbohydrate, 30% fat, and 15%
protein macronutrient profile). A sample Food Exchange Options
screen is illustrated in FIG. 3D.
[0055] In step 360, a series of prompts are provided to allow the
subject to build a menu. The menu items may be selected according
to the subject's personal likes/dislikes. The menu is built to
facilitate weight loss at the prescribed rate. Menu items are
selected according to prescribed serving sizes and food exchange
type. Examples of food exchanges are nonfat dairy, lean protein,
vegetables, fruit, starches, and an "extra calories" menu. FIGS.
3E-3J illustrate the entry screens for entering the subject's food
exchange options and amounts. As an alternative to allowing the
subject to build a menu from scratch, sample menus can be provided
that the athlete/coach can adapt to meet specific needs.
[0056] In step 370, the subject's menu is generated. A completed
sample menu is illustrated in FIG. 3K.
[0057] In step 380, queries may be received by the subject. The
subject can submit queries to one or more qualified nutritional
advisors, such as, for example, a registered dietitian.
[0058] In step 390, informational resources are provided. The
subject is allowed to access other informational web sites
providing advice on nutritional guidelines. Several websites exist
that provide advice to wrestlers, for example, and URLs for these
websites may be presented in a menu.
[0059] A method of generating a weight plan will now be discussed
with reference to FIGS. 46. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the method
for generating a weight plan. In one embodiment, the method is
executed by the system 1000 illustrated in FIG. 1. Other
apparatuses, however, may be used to employ the method. The method
can be used to generate the weight plans discussed above (see FIGS.
2F and 2J).
[0060] The method is discussed in the context of a subject wrestler
operating under guidelines from a governing authority, such as, for
example, the NCAA, or a state's athletic association.
[0061] A user may, however, enter data for subjects engaging in
other activities, such as monitoring weight for general health or
other reasons. The guidelines can therefore be applicable at the
collegiate level or at the secondary school level.
[0062] Many organizations govern athletics at various levels. At
the collegiate level, the National Association of Intercollegiate
Athletics (NAIA) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association
(NCAA) determine the requirements for athletes. Standards for
scholastic athletes are determined by state and local high school
athletic associations. In this specification, these organizations
are referred to by the generic term "governing body." More than one
governing body may have jurisdiction over a subject.
[0063] In general, governing bodies require wrestlers to have their
body fat percentage (%BF) and body weight (BW) determined before
the wrestling season begins. In FIG. 4, this step is disclosed as
step 410, in which subject data is entered. The data can be entered
on a form such as those illustrated in FIGS. 2C, 2D, and 2H. The
subject's body weight BW is preferably measured when the subject is
hydrated. The bodyweight (BW) may therefore be referred to as a
"hydrated body weight" or, more generally, a "current weight." This
step may also include the entry of raw data such as body caliper
measurements used to determine the subject's body fat percentage (%
BF). Alternatively, the subject's body fat percentage may be
entered directly.
[0064] Body fat percentage can be provided by, for example, a
commercially available service such as BodPod.RTM.. Other subject
data entered at this point can include the alpha date, urine
specific gravity, subject grade or years in college, and subject
name.
[0065] In step 420, the subject's body composition is determined.
The subject's body composition can include data such as the
subject's body density (BD), body fat percentage (% BF), fat weight
(FW), and fat free weight (FFW). These values may be displayed on
the forms illustrated in FIGS. 2C, 2D, and 2H. The steps involved
in determining the subject's body composition are discussed in
detail with reference to FIG. 5.
[0066] In step 430, the subject's weight plan is generated. The
weight plan can include one or more weight parameters such as, for
example, a lowest allowable weight (lowest allowable weight-one, or
"LAW 1") at which a wrestler can wrestle at for a first time period
T1. In more general terms, LAW 1 can be a lowest recommended weight
for a first time period. The weight parameters can also include a
lowest allowable weight-two (LAW 2). LAW 2 can be a lowest
allowable weight for a subsequent or later time period T2. LAW 2 is
typically used to describe a minimum ending weight after a period
of weeks. In addition, minimum weights for any number of
intermediate time periods, such as weekly time periods, can be
calculated. As shown in FIGS. 2F and 2J, each time period in the
left hand column is accompanied by a minimum weight for that time.
The minimum weights may be used to inform the subject, coaches,
parents, or others, of the minimum weight that the subject should
have at any time. Generation of a weight plan is discussed in
detail below with reference to FIG. 6.
[0067] After the weight plan is generated, the subject's weight may
be monitored. In one embodiment, users, who may be wrestling
coaches, are capable of monitoring any number of subjects'
compliance with prescribed governing body guidelines. The website
arrangement described above is particularly advantageous for
monitoring the subject's compliance because of the detailed reports
available to users. For example, each wrestling coach in a
specified region can have access to the server 1010, and can
monitor any of the wrestlers participating in wrestling in that
region. According to NCAA guidelines, for example, if a certain
wrestler is below his/her allowable body weight for a given week,
he/she is not allowed to wrestle. A coach or other user who detects
that a wrestler is not operating within the prescribed guidelines
can alert the governing authority of detected violations. In
addition to and alternatively to monitoring by users, the server
1010 may contain a database of subject data, and the subject data
can be examined to determine whether the subject is complying with
the prescribed guidelines. In this way, the system 1000 can provide
automatic notification when a subject fails to comply with
prescribed guidelines.
[0068] As another advantage to using the web-based application, the
data entry and calculations used in the initial assessment can be
used to generate a weight certification form, which may be in a
form acceptable to the various governing bodies. The weight
certification form may be submitted to a governing authority, such
as the NCAA, or the state's athletic association. The report
establishes the wrestler's minimum allowable wrestling weight, and
accordingly his/her lowest allowable wrestling class. These
calculations are based on a formula supplied by the NCAA.
[0069] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a method of determining a
subject's body composition. The method steps illustrated in FIG. 5
correspond to step 420 in FIG. 4.
[0070] In step 510, the subject's body density (BD) is determined.
Body density may be determined by a number of methods. For example,
data from skin-fold measurements may be used to calculate body
density. One skin-fold measurement technique involves skin-fold
measurements taken in three areas of the body: triceps, subscapular
and abdominal. The skin-fold measurements can be entered as subject
data in step 410 (FIG. 4). The median values of each area are then
summed, and used in the following formula to determine BD:
BD=[1.0982-((SUM SF)*0.000815)]+[(SUM SF).sup.2*(0.00000084)]
[0071] where SUM SF is the sum of the skin-fold median values.
Alternatively, body density may be measured by known methods such
as hydrostatic weighing or commercial devices such as BodPod.RTM.,
as discussed above.
[0072] In step 520, the subject's body fat percentage is
calculated. Body fat percentage (% BF) can be calculated according
to the following formula:
% BF=[4.57/BD)-4.142]*100.
[0073] In step 530, the subject's fat weight (FW) is calculated.
Fat weight is the weight of the fat contained in the subject's
body. Fat weight may be calculated according to the following
formula:
FW=BW*(% BF/100).
[0074] In step 540, the subject's fat free weight (FFW) is
calculated. The fat free weight FFW represents the weight of a
subject's body that is comprised of materials other than fat, and
may be calculated according to the following formula:
FFW=BW-FW.
[0075] FIG. 6 illustrates a method of determining a weight plan.
The steps illustrated in FIG. 6 correspond to step 430 in FIG.
4.
[0076] In step 610, a lowest allowable weight-one (LAW 1) is
calculated. The lowest allowable weight-one is calculated according
to the FFW. LAW 1 can be calculated according to:
LAW1=FFW/f
[0077] In the equation for LAW 1,f is a factor that describes the
minimum body fat allowed according to governing body rules. For
NCAA standards, a minimum body fat of 5% is required. For the NCAA,
f is 0.95, or 1.00-0.05. For other governing bodies, such as those
that regulate high school wrestlers, f can be, for example,
0.93.
[0078] In step 620, a time period (TIME) is determined. The time
period can be described as a period of time between an initial
assessment and a "deadline date," and is usually described as a
number of discrete time periods of weeks. The deadline date
represents a deadline measurement date. The deadline measurement
date is different according to different governing bodies. For
example, in NCAA collegiate wrestling, the deadline date is
December 15.sup.th.
[0079] The time period TIME can be, for example, expressed as a
number of discrete time periods, such as weeks ("WEEKS") between
the initial assessment and deadline date. The deadline date can be
any date. The various state athletic associations may specify other
dates.
[0080] In step 630, a lowest allowable weight-two (LAW 2) is
determined. LAW 2 may be calculated according to the general
formula:
LAW2=BW-(BW*c*TIME)
[0081] where c is a constant. In a more specific embodiment, and in
accordance with NCAA guidelines limiting body weight loss to 1.5%
of body weight per week (i.e., c=0.015), the formula can be stated
as:
LAW2=BW-(BW*0.015*TIME)
[0082] where TIME is in units of weeks.
[0083] In step 650, a minimum weight (MW) is determined. The
Minimum Weight may be calculated according to the following
formula:
MW=the higher of LAW 1 and LAW 2.
[0084] If the subject is a wrestler, the minimum weight can be
described as the subject's minimum wrestling weight (MWW), and may
be calculated by:
MWW=higher of LAW 1 and LAW 2.
[0085] The minimum wrestling weight MWW is the minimum weight that
a wrestler may have and still conform to governing body standards.
Each time period during the monitoring period for a subject has its
own MWW.
[0086] In step 650, minimum weight values for each of the discrete
times in the measurement period may be calculated, as are
illustrated in FIGS. 2F and 2J. The minimum weights can be
calculated by reducing the alpha or initial body weight assessment
by a percentage prescribed by a governing body. Reducing each
preceding projected minimum weight by the percentage populates the
projected weight fields in FIGS. 2F and 2J.
[0087] NWCA currently supports an Internet-based weight
certification program at
http://www.nwcacalculator.com/certification/ for the calculation of
a safe and healthy minimal wrestling weight.
[0088] Additional advantages, features and modifications will
readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention
in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, and
representative devices, shown and described herein. Accordingly,
various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit
or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the
appended claims and their equivalents. As used herein and in the
following claims, articles such as "the", "a" and "an" can connote
the singular or plural.
* * * * *
References