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Weight Loss Patent Abstract
A new weight loss method that includes: (1) A monthly flip calendar;
(2) Healthy, fit models with a place to put user's face into the
picture to help visualize the results; (3) Each day has a set menu
which will provide about 1200 calories for the women calendar and
1500 calories for the men; (4) Magnetic strip in the back to attach
to refrigerator; (5) Quarterly measurements of problem areas of
arms, thighs, calves, chest, hips, waist, and neck; (6) monthly
stickers that state "one fast food meal", "special
occasion--meal unrestricted", and "Happy Birthday!!--Unrestricted
meal"; (7) "F" will be marked on special days to
indicate unrestricted or "free" meals, "W" will
signify the weighing days, and E for "exercise"; (8) A
"contract" to be signed by participant user to improve
compliance to program; (9) Provide PDA download-able version for
people who are frequently away from home.
Weight Loss Patent Claims
1. A Calendar and Method for Weight Loss comprising: a calendar
with dates corresponding to the year, month, week, day and date;
wherein, each month has a different picture of a model's entire
body; wherein each model's face is removed; wherein each missing
model's face has a place for insertion of a picture of a user's
face, thereby forming a visual of said model's body and figure with
said user's face; wherein specific days as selected by said user
can be designated by symbols corresponding to events; wherein, said
calendar has attachment means; wherein said calendar provides a
daily food routine and daily menu plan; wherein, said calendar proscribes
for "Free Days"; wherein said calendar proscribes weighing
days; wherein said calendar proscribes exercise days; wherein said
calendar proscribes measuring Actual Fat Loss (AFL); wherein said
calendar utilizes a personal contract to promote and improve compliance
to exercise and menu recommendations; whereby a simple to follow
and effective method for weight loss will be provided.
2. The invention according to claim 1, wherein said visual of said
model's body and figure with said user's face serves as a motivational
tool.
3. The invention according to claim 1, wherein said model is male
or female corresponding to said user's profile and body type.
4. The invention according to claim 1, wherein said symbol is a
birthday cake designating birthday, or other symbol designating
annual events.
5. The invention according to claim 1, wherein said attachment
means is a magnet for attachment to metal such as a refrigerator.
6. The invention according to claim 1, wherein said attachment
means is Velcro or adhesives.
7. The invention according to claim 1, wherein said daily food
routine and said daily menu plan is customizable for personal preference
within guidelines of said calendar and downloadable to a personal
scheduling means.
8. The invention according to claim 1, wherein said "Free
Days" are denoted by a symbol "F".
9. The invention according to claim 8, wherein said days denoted
by an "F" represent special occasions and no restriction
meals.
10. The invention according to claim 1, wherein said weighing days
are each Thursday.
11. The invention according to claim 1, wherein said exercise days
are each Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
12. The invention according to claim 1, wherein said Actual Fat
Loss (AFL) is measured quarterly, and is denoted by reminders on
said calendar.
13. The invention according to claim 12, wherein AFL is measured
on thighs, arms, waist, chest, hips, calves, and neck, other problem
areas, etc.
14. The invention according to claim 1, wherein said specific days
as selected by said user and as designated by symbols corresponding
to events, such as birthdays, said annual events, said "Free
Days", parties or other special events, denote an unrestricted
meal.
15. The invention according to claim 14, wherein said unrestricted
meal is a "Fast Food Combo".
16. The invention according to claim 14, wherein said specific
days are denoted by symbols affixed to said calendar as a sticker.
17. A method for weight loss, comprising the steps of: (a) checking
a daily visual motivational tool provided in a form of a model body
but with the user's face; (b) following a daily menu plan; (c) following
allowance to liberalize/customize meals downloadable to a personal
organizer system such as a PDA (personal daily assistant); (d) weighing
weekly; (e) exercising almost every other day; (f) measuring quarterly
with tape measures circumferences of problem body areas; (g) selecting
and denoting days as "special occasion-no restriction meals"
using stickers for birthdays, holidays, parties, special occasions,
etc; and (h) contracting to improve compliance to exercise and menu
recommendations.
Weight Loss Patent Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of
weight loss and more specifically to a calendar and method for weight
loss.
[0003] 2. Brief Description of the Related Art
[0004] Obesity is the most prevalent nutritional disorder in the
United States. According to the National Center of Health Statistics
(2000&2001), the number of obese children and adults has been
increasing. It is suggested that genetics and environmental factors
both play a role. Although genetic factors contribute towards the
predisposition of obesity, the current environment of increased
food intake and decreased energy expenditure is also a large contributing
factor (Hill, J. O. & Peters, J. C., 1998). Some factors attributable
for the increased energy intake are advertisements for low priced
and high-energy dense foods, marketing of larger portion sizes,
increased frequency of restaurant meals, and use of more fast-foods
(French, S. A., Story, M., & Jeffery, R. W., 2001). Some factors
associated with decreased energy expenditure are labor saving devices
(such as remote controls); working at a job that is sedentary; decreased
physical activity related to watching television, playing videogames,
and using the computer (Dowda, M., Ainsworth, B. E., Addy, C. L.,
Saunders, R., & Riner, W., 2001; Crespo, C. J. et al., 2001;
Dietz, W. H, 2001). Prevention of obesity is frequently attempted
through educational approaches aimed at improving knowledge and
motivation, with consequent presumed impact on individual lifestyle
choices (Kumanyika, S. K. 2001).
[0005] Small changes may have a large impact on weight management,
which in turn, can lead to the resolution or prevention of further
progression of heart disease, diabetes, and the stigma of obesity.
An effective weight management tool should be geared towards behavior
change in exercise and eating habits. Successful weight loss requires
motivation and guidelines that help busy people make quick, appropriate,
every-day decisions.
[0006] Many people seek merchandise or publications to motivate
weight loss and provide concrete guidelines on foods to eat. However,
these products have been rare or too complicated for daily use.
In the past, motivational tools have usually been ineffective because
they are usually not individualized.
[0007] The calendar and method for weight loss of the present invention
is a personalized motivational weight loss tool which provides modeling
of the results that can be gained by adhering to the meal and exercise
recommendations set by the program. Incorporated into the present
invention are menus outlining to users of the present invention
exactly what and how much to eat, without mandatory computer entries
(Participants may choose to enter information into personal databases
for the sake of tracking progress or for customizing diet, but this
is not mandatory for success while using the calendar and weight
loss method). Menus would be very helpful for people who want to
be healthy eaters, but who cannot decipher the fad diet from the
healthy diet. This would also minimize the complaint of food choices
being too abundant and public knowledge of nutrition being too incomplete
or confused by marketing. For these reasons the present invention
is a weight loss system which includes: (1) a daily visual motivational
tool provided in a form of a model body but with the participants
face; (2) a daily menu plan; (3) allowance to liberalize/customize
meals when downloaded to a personal organizer system such as a PDA
(personal daily assistant); (4) weights weekly; (5) exercise reminders
almost every other day; (6) quarterly tape measures of problem body
areas; (7) "special occasion-no restriction meal" stickers
for birthdays, holidays, and parties; and (8) A contract to improve
compliance to exercise and menu recommendations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The Calendar and Method for Weight Loss (Super-Model Diet),
weight loss program of the present invention is a motivational tool
that serves the needs of users who need something that serves as
a daily reminder of what a person is working so hard to accomplish.
This program will provide a calendar that features monthly models
of healthy, fit, attractive males or females for the men or women
respectively who need inspiration for weight loss. The male user
will have a calendar specific for him with male models and the women
will have a calendar specific for her with female model figures.
Users will choose their specific calendar based on their own gender,
body type and preference.
[0009] The calendar and weight loss method of the present invention
is unlike other calendars because it allows the user to place his
or her picture in the place of the model's face. Such is accomplished
as there will be a cut out area where the model's face would have
been, and is excluded. The user is instructed to place a picture
of his/her face in the hole. As time progresses, about every month,
the user's face will model a different healthy body according to
the desired ideal body by each user. This will serve as a great
motivational tool because the user gets to see the body he/she is
working towards. Users of the present invention will picture this
monthly model, not of a stranger, but of themselves.
[0010] The variety of monthly models will allow for continued interest
in the calendar and renewing encouragement if users happen to "fall
off" the meal plans.
[0011] The Calendar and Method for Weight Loss of the Present invention
utilizes an attachment means, by way of example and not limitation,
such as a magnetic strip on the reverse or back side so as to be
placed to a refrigerator or other location frequented by users of
the present invention, serving as a reminder to avoid overeating.
[0012] Each day of the Calendar, of the present invention, will
be imprinted with a recommended breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu.
A brief statement will present this concept on the first page of
the Calendar of the present invention. The statement will encourage
compliance to menus daily but allow for substitution between different
days of the week to meet food preferences and minimize boredom.
A way of example and not limitation is: "January 10: breakfast--1
cup oatmeal+1/2 cup Nonfat milk+2 eggs"; "January 11:
breakfast--1 cup light yogurt+3 slices lean turkey+1 tortilla".
If the user wants to eat for example "1 cup light yogurt+3
slices lean turkey+1 tortilla" for breakfast on January 10th,
or a day ahead of schedule, this would be an allowed substitution.
[0013] The calendar will aim a user towards 1200 calories for women
and 1500 calories for men as a daily intake. This numerical value
is based on the recommendation that adults maintain a minimum of
1200 calories a day and is based on a weight loss restriction of
20 calories per kg of ideal body weight for average height women
and men.
[0014] However, respecting that everyone is not at average height
and weight, the Calendar and Method for Weight Loss allows for increase
or decrease in calories on weekends. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
will be marked with the symbol "F" to signify that one
free or unrestricted meal is allowed that day. This is because most
people fall off their "regular" diet plans around the
weekends, as many "dieters" stop eating healthy after
straying from their other diet "plan" just once. The allowance
as prescribed in the present invention to eat favorite foods for
the weekend will encourage long-term maintenance on the plan.
[0015] Long-term weight loss maintenance has been accomplished
by only a small fraction of the dieting population. According to
a survey by the National Weight Control Registry, weekly weighing
helped people keep the weight off long term. For this reason, the
Calendar and Method for Weight Loss of the present invention requires
a weekly weighing on Thursday. Thursday is the ideal day of the
week because the participant will be allowed to eat freely for I
meal/day in the following 3 days. They will need the extra motivation
to continue eating well; even when not restricted. The symbol "W"
will signify the days for which weighing is required as imprinted
on the Calendar.
[0016] Exercise would be required every Monday, Wednesday, and
Friday. A reminder would be printed on the calendar with the symbol
"E" for "exercise". A recommendation of 20-45
minutes three times a week will be given because weight loss and
building of lean muscle to increase energy expenditure, according
to the present invention, requires exercise. The first page will
provide an explanation key of the symbol and the corresponding activity.
[0017] The Calendar and Method for Weight Loss of the present invention
involves assessing dieting success by measuring the circumference
of the body's "problem areas" to determine fat loss, as
still another way of measuring success is in "actual fat loss"
or (AFL). The first page of the calendar will explain the need to
measure the thighs, arms, waist, chest, hips, calves, and neck to
assess changes related to compliance to meal/exercise plans. This
will help motivate people and offset the minds of users who may
gain weight due to muscle but have actually lost fat. Muscle weighs
more than fat and it is possible to gain weight and still be losing
fat on any exercise program. Many people are discouraged by weight
gain, as they do not understand that they may still be getting healthier,
fitter, and more attractive if it is due to increased muscle mass
and a reduction in fat measured by AFL.
[0018] Birthdays, holidays, and parties usually provide an over
abundance of temptations that would cause even some of the best
"self dieters" who are not on any prescribed weight loss
plan, to lose control. For this reason, the Calendar and Method
for Weight Loss of the present invention minimizes a user from a
feeling of failure--which could ultimately lead to the abandonment
of the weight loss effort--by providing a special allowance for
these special days. This way, users of the present invention also
feel that they can eat some of their favorite, unhealthy foods once
in a while. Such allowances are for birthdays and fast food cravings
as designated by providing monthly stickers as by way of example
and not limitation: (1) "Happy Birthday!! Unrestricted meal";
(2) "one fast food meal"; or (3) "special occasion,
meal unrestricted".
[0019] Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday would allow for one "free
meal" each day because many users may wish to eat out or have
guests on these days. These days would be marked on the calendar
with the symbol "F" for "free".
[0020] The present invention combines the advantages of having
a weight loss method and a calendar for daily review, whereby a
simple to follow and effective method for weight loss will be provided.
[0021] This invention consists of a calendar for insertion of the
user's own picture serving as a means for motivation and a diet
regimen with simple to follow guidelines and allowances for effective
weight loss. Other objects and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection
with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration
and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.
[0022] In comparison to the existing technologies, the uniqueness
of this invention is set forth as the following:
[0023] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,
there is disclosed a Calendar and Method for Weight Loss: (1) a
calendar and attachment means for securely attaching a user's picture
as a daily visual motivational tool provided in a form of a model
body but with the participants face; (2) a daily menu plan; (3)
allowance to liberalize/customize meals when downloaded to a personal
organizer system such as a PDA (personal daily assistant); (4) weekly
weighing; (5) exercise reminders almost every other day; (6) quarterly
tape measures of problem body areas; (7) "special occasion-no
restriction on meal" stickers for birthdays, holidays, and
parties; and (8) a contract to improve compliance to exercise and
menu recommendations.
[0024] Still other objects, features, and attendant advantages
of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in
the art from a reading of the following detailed description of
embodiments constructed in accordance therewith, taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and
include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied
in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances
various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged
to facilitate an understanding of the invention.
[0026] The invention of the present application will now be described
in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments of the apparatus
and method, given only by way of example, and with reference to
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary view of the present invention
with male model.
[0028] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary view of the present invention
with a female model.
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart useful in describing an exemplary
method for weight loss using the Calendar and method of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided
herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention
may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed
herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis
for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled
in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately
detailed system, structure or manner. Referring to the drawing figures,
like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements
throughout the several figures.
[0031] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,
there is disclosed a calendar and method for weight loss of the
present invention that is a personalized motivational weight loss
tool which provides modeling of the results that can be gained by
adhering to the meal and exercise recommendations set by the program.
Incorporated into the present invention are menus outlining to users
of the present invention exactly what and how much to eat, without
mandatory computer entries (Participants may choose to enter information
into personal databases for the sake of tracking progress or for
customizing diet, but this is not mandatory for success while using
the calendar and weight loss method). Menus would be very helpful
for people who want to be healthy eaters, but who cannot decipher
the fad diet from the healthy diet. This would also minimize the
complaint of food choices being too abundant and public knowledge
of nutrition being too incomplete or confused by marketing. For
these reasons the present invention is a weight loss system which
includes: (1) a daily visual motivational tool provided in a form
of a model body but with the participants face; (2) a daily menu
plan with breakfast, lunch and dinner; (3) allowance to liberalize/customize
meals when downloaded to a personal organizer system such as a PDA
(personal daily assistant); (4) weights weekly; (5) exercise reminders
almost every other day; (6) quarterly tape measures of problem body
areas; (7) "special occasion-no restriction on meal" stickers
for birthdays, holidays, and parties; and (8) A contract to improve
compliance to exercise and menu recommendations.
[0032] In comparison to the existing technologies, the uniqueness
of this invention is set forth as the following:
[0033] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary view of the present invention
(1) with a male model showing a male specimen ideal body (2) serving
as a motivational tool and a removed face (3) for insertion of a
user's face. Dates (4) are detailed with daily menus (5) and have
weekly reminders for weighing on Thursdays. Dates (4) also have
exercise reminders on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Dates (4)
will have a quarterly reminder to take tape measures of problem
areas.
[0034] With reference to Daily Menus (5), the menu can be replaced
by covering with stickers (6) or other symbols signifying "free
day" with an "F" and usually on a Friday, Saturday
or Sunday.
[0035] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary view of the present invention
(1) with female model showing a female specimen ideal body (2) serving
as a motivational tool and a removed face (3) for insertion of a
user's face. Dates (4) are detailed with daily menus (5) and have
weekly reminders for weighing on Thursdays. Dates (4) also have
exercise reminders on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Dates (4)
will have a quarterly reminder to take tape measures of problem
areas.
[0036] With reference to Daily Menus (5), the menu can be replaced
by covering with stickers (6) or other symbols signifying "free
day" with an "F" and usually on a Friday, Saturday
or Sunday.
[0037] With reference to FIG. I and FIG. 2, stickers (6) may be
placed on certain dates with a limited number of "Happy Birthday!!
Unrestricted meal" (as a birthday cake); or "one fast
food meal" (as a hamburger, French fries, and soda); "special
occasion, meal unrestricted" or "free day" as denoted
by an "F" as shown on FIG. 1 as an example and not limitation.
[0038] Other special occasion stickers may be placed by the user
as lifestyles of users may differ. These stickers (6) denoting "special"
or "unrestricted" meals will be limited in number, so
as not to allow the user to fall off the diet regimen after the
"special" or "unrestricted" meal period is over.
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart useful in describing an exemplary
method for weight loss using the Calendar and method of the present
invention. FIG. 3 outlines a method of weight loss comprising the
steps of:
[0040] (a) checking a daily visual motivational tool provided in
a form of a model body but with the user's face;
[0041] (b) following a daily menu plan;
[0042] (c) following allowance to liberalize/customize meals when
downloaded to a personal organizer system such as a PDA (personal
daily assistant);
[0043] (d) weighing weekly;
[0044] (e) exercising almost every other day;
[0045] (f) measuring quarterly with tape measures circumferences
of problem body areas;
[0046] (g) selecting and denoting days as "special occasion-no
restriction meals" using stickers for birthdays, holidays,
parties, special occasions, etc; and
[0047] (h) contracting to improve compliance to exercise and menu
recommendations.
[0048] Still other objects, features, and attendant advantages
of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in
the art from a reading of the following detailed description of
embodiments constructed in accordance therewith, taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings.
[0049] While the invention has been described in connection with
a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of
the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary,
it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents
as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims.
[0050] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof.
The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in
all respects to be illustrative and not restricted. The scope of
the invention described by the foregoing includes all changes that
come within the meaning, range and equivalence thereof and is intended
to be embraced therein.
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