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Weight Loss Patent Abstract
Various weight loss systems and methods and weighted distal limb
sleeves are provided for promoting non-exercise activity thermogenesis
(NEAT). One embodiment is an anatomically-weighted distal limb sleeve
for use in a weight loss program. One such anatomically-weighted
distal limb sleeve is adapted and sized to be comfortably worn on
a distal portion of a person's limb relative to a limb joint. The
anatomically-weighted distal limb sleeve comprises a predefined
amount of exogenous weight arranged on the limb sleeve to simulate
the anatomical distribution of endogenous soft tissue of the distal
portion of the limb.
Weight Loss Patent Claims
1. A weight loss system comprising: a pair of anatomically-weighted
distal arm sleeves adapted and sized to be comfortably worn on a
person's forearm, one distal arm sleeve for the left forearm and
the other distal arm sleeve for the right forearm, each distal arm
sleeve having a first predefined amount of exogenous weight arranged
on the distal arm sleeve to simulate the anatomical distribution
of the major endogenous soft tissue of the forearm; and a pair of
anatomically-weighted distal leg sleeves adapted and sized to be
comfortably worn on a person's lower leg below the knee, one distal
leg sleeve for the left leg and the other distal leg sleeve for
the right leg, each distal leg sleeve having a second predefined
amount of exogenous weight arranged on the distal leg sleeve to
simulate the anatomical distribution of the major endogenous soft
tissue of the lower leg.
2. The weight loss system of claim 1, wherein the distal and proximal
ends of the distal arm sleeves and the distal leg sleeves include
a support fastener.
3. The weight loss system of claim 1, wherein the distal arm sleeves
and the distal leg sleeves include an alignment indicia for proper
anatomical alignment.
4. The weight loss system of claim 1, wherein the first predefined
amount of exogenous weight is arranged on the distal arm sleeve
to simulate the anatomical distribution of the major flexor and
extensor muscles of the forearm and the second predefined amount
of exogenous weight is arranged on the distal leg sleeve to simulate
the anatomical distribution of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles
of the lower leg.
5. A distal leg sleeve for use in a weight loss program and adapted
and sized to be comfortably worn on a person's lower leg below the
knee, the distal leg sleeve comprising a predefined amount of exogenous
weight arranged on the distal leg sleeve to simulate the anatomical
distribution of endogenous soft tissue of the lower leg.
6. The distal leg sleeve of claim 5, wherein the exogenous weight
is substantially omitted from an anterior tibial portion of the
distal leg sleeve.
7. The distal leg sleeve of claim 5, wherein the exogenous weight
tapers toward a distal portion of the distal leg sleeve.
8. The distal leg sleeve of claim 5, wherein the exogenous weight
is substantially omitted from a posterior distal portion of the
distal leg sleeve.
9. The distal leg sleeve of claim 5, wherein a proximal end and
a distal end of the distal leg sleeve include a support.
10. The distal leg sleeve of claim 9, wherein the support comprises
an elastic band.
11. The distal leg sleeve of claim 5, further comprising a support
fastener at a proximal end and a distal end of the distal leg sleeve.
12. The distal leg sleeve of claim 5, wherein a posterior distal
portion of the distal leg sleeve includes a fastenable breakaway
for facilitating installation and removal and to provide additional
support during use.
13. The distal leg sleeve of claim 5, wherein the exogenous weight
comprises a plurality of weight members.
14. The distal leg sleeve of claim 13, wherein the weight members
are stitched into the leg sleeve between a pair of fabric layers.
15. The distal leg sleeve of claim 5, further comprising an alignment
indicia to enable the user to properly position the distal leg sleeve
on the lower leg with the exogenous weight simulating the anatomical
distribution of the endogenous soft tissue of the lower leg.
16. The distal leg sleeve of claim 5, wherein the predefined amount
of exogenous weight is arranged on the distal leg sleeve to simulate
the anatomical distribution of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles
of the lower leg.
17. A distal leg sleeve for use in a weight loss program and adapted
to be comfortably worn on a person's lower leg below the knee, the
distal leg sleeve comprising an exogenous weight distributed relative
to a surface of the distal leg sleeve in a substantially anatomical
relationship with the major muscle groups of the lower leg.
18. The distal leg sleeve of claim 17, wherein the predefined amount
of exogenous weight is arranged on the distal leg sleeve to simulate
the anatomical distribution of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles.
19. A distal arm sleeve for use in a weight loss program and adapted
and sized to be comfortably worn on a person's forearm between the
elbow and the wrist, the distal arm sleeve comprising a predefined
amount of exogenous weight arranged on the distal arm sleeve to
simulate the anatomical distribution of endogenous soft tissue of
the forearm.
20. The distal arm sleeve of claim 19, wherein the exogenous weight
is omitted from a portion of the distal arm sleeve at least partially
positioned over the radius of the forearm.
21. The distal arm sleeve of claim 19, wherein the exogenous weight
is omitted from at least a portion of a lateral side of the distal
arm sleeve.
22. The distal arm sleeve of claim 19, wherein the exogenous weight
tapers toward a distal portion of the distal arm sleeve.
23. The distal arm sleeve of claim 19, wherein the exogenous weight
is substantially omitted from a lateral distal portion of the distal
arm sleeve.
24. The distal arm sleeve of claim 19, wherein a proximal end and
a distal end of the distal arm sleeve include a support.
25. The distal arm sleeve of claim 24, wherein the support comprises
an elastic band.
26. The distal arm sleeve of claim 19, further comprising a support
fastener at a proximal end and a distal end of the distal arm sleeve.
27. The distal arm sleeve of claim 19, wherein the exogenous weight
comprises a plurality of weight members.
28. The distal arm sleeve of claim 27, wherein the weight members
are stitched into the distal arm sleeve between a pair of fabric
layers.
29. The distal arm sleeve of claim 19, further comprising an alignment
indicia to enable the user to properly position the distal arm sleeve
on the forearm with the exogenous weight simulating the anatomical
distribution of the endogenous soft tissue of the forearm.
30. A distal arm sleeve for use in a weight loss program and adapted
to be comfortably worn on a person's forearm between the elbow and
the wrist, the distal leg sleeve comprising an exogenous weight
distributed relative to a surface of the distal arm sleeve in a
substantially anatomical relationship with the major muscle groups
of the forearm.
31. The distal arm sleeve of claim 30, wherein the predefined amount
of exogenous weight is arranged on the distal arm sleeve to simulate
the anatomical distribution of the major flexor and extensor muscles
of the forearm.
32. A weight loss method comprising wearing a pair of anatomically-weighted
distal leg sleeves adapted and sized to be comfortably worn on a
person's lower leg below the knee, one distal leg sleeve for the
left leg and the other distal leg sleeve for the right leg, each
distal leg sleeve having a first predefined amount of exogenous
weight arranged on the distal leg sleeve to simulate the anatomical
distribution of the major endogenous soft tissue of the lower leg.
33. The weight loss method of claim 32, further comprising wearing
a pair of anatomically-weighted distal arm sleeves adapted and sized
to be comfortably worn on a person's forearm, one distal arm sleeve
for the left forearm and the other distal arm sleeve for the right
forearm, each distal arm sleeve having a second predefined amount
of exogenous weight arranged on the distal arm sleeve to simulate
the anatomical distribution of the major endogenous soft tissue
of the forearm.
34. The weight loss method of claim 33, wherein the second predefined
amount of exogenous weight is arranged on the distal arm sleeve
to simulate the anatomical distribution of the major flexor and
extensor muscles of the forearm and the first predefined amount
of exogenous weight is arranged on the distal arm sleeve to simulate
the anatomical distribution of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles
of the lower leg.
35. An anatomically-weighted distal limb sleeve for use in a weight
loss program and adapted and sized to be comfortably worn on a distal
portion of a person's limb relative to a limb joint, the limb sleeve
comprising a predefined amount of exogenous weight arranged on the
limb sleeve to simulate the anatomical distribution of endogenous
soft tissue of the distal portion of the limb.
36. The anatomically-weighted distal limb sleeve of claim 35, wherein
the limb comprises one of an arm and a leg.
37. The anatomically-weighted distal limb sleeve of claim 35, wherein
the exogenous weight comprises a plurality of weight members.
38. The anatomically-weighted distal limb sleeve of claim 35, wherein
a proximal end and a distal end of the limb sleeve include a support.
39. The anatomically-weighted distal limb sleeve of claim 35, further
comprising a support fastener at a proximal end and a distal end
of the limb sleeve.
40. A method for promoting weight loss comprising wearing at least
one weighted limb sleeve on a distal portion of a limb below a corresponding
limb joint.
41. The method of claim 40, wherein the wearing the at least one
weighted limb sleeve comprises: wearing a pair of leg sleeves, one
leg sleeve on a right leg and the other leg sleeve on a left leg;
and wearing a pair of arm sleeves, one arm sleeve on a right arm
and the other arm sleeve on a left arm.
42. The method of claim 40, wherein the weighted limb sleeve is
anatomically weighted to generally simulate the distribution of
endogenous soft tissue on the distal portion of the limb.
Weight Loss Patent Description
CROSS-REFEFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part patent application
of, and claims the benefit of the priority of, copending U.S. application
Ser. No. 11/013,530, filed Dec. 16, 2004, and entitled "Distally/Proximally-Weighted
Joint Sleeve", which is hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety. This application also claims the benefit of the priority
of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/680,463, filed May
12, 2005, and entitled "System, Method, and Weighted Limb Sleeve
for Promoting Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis", which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Obesity is a growing, world-wide epidemic. Studies suggest
that more than 60% of Americans are either overweight or obese.
Obesity results in nearly 300,000 deaths per year in the United
States. It is well established that obesity is a major risk factor
for many serious diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke,
diabetes, breast cancer, colon cancer, ulcer-related diseases, gallbladder
disease, osteoarthritis, prostate cancer, major depressive disorders,
and chronic pain disorders, to name a few.
[0003] The core fundamentals of any obesity intervention and/or
weight loss program involve reducing calorie intake (dieting) and
increasing calorie utilization (exercise). In other words, in order
to lose weight, you must expend more calories than you consume over
a given time period. While the theories of weight loss are known,
the fact remains that the majority of individuals fail in their
attempts to lose and maintain an appreciable amount of weight loss.
One noteworthy reason for the low success rates is that dieting
and/or exercise require significant lifestyle alterations and dedication.
Not all people that desire to lose weight (and maintain the weight
loss) have the self-discipline, desire, etc. to follow through with
a particular dieting and/or exercise regimen. The theory behind
weight loss may be simple, but statistics show that executing and
maintaining a plan is a different story.
SUMMARY
[0004] Various weight loss systems and methods and weighted distal
limb sleeves are provided for promoting non-exercise activity thermogenesis
(NEAT). One embodiment is a weight loss system comprising: a pair
of anatomically-weighted distal arm sleeves adapted and sized to
be comfortably worn on a person's forearm, one distal arm sleeve
for the left forearm and the other distal arm sleeve for the right
forearm, each distal arm sleeve having a first predefined amount
of exogenous weight arranged on the distal arm sleeve to simulate
the anatomical distribution of the major endogenous soft tissue
of the forearm; and a pair of anatomically-weighted distal leg sleeves
adapted and sized to be comfortably worn on a person's lower leg
below the knee, one distal leg sleeve for the left leg and the other
distal leg sleeve for the right leg, each distal leg sleeve having
a second predefined amount of exogenous weight arranged on the distal
leg sleeve to simulate the anatomical distribution of the major
endogenous soft tissue of the lower leg.
[0005] Another embodiment is a weight loss method comprising wearing
a pair of anatomically-weighted distal leg sleeves adapted and sized
to be comfortably worn on a person's lower leg below the knee, one
distal leg sleeve for the left leg and the other distal leg sleeve
for the right leg, each distal leg sleeve having a first predefined
amount of exogenous weight arranged on the distal leg sleeve to
simulate the anatomical distribution of the major endogenous soft
tissue of the lower leg.
[0006] Another embodiment is a method for promoting weight loss.
One such method comprises wearing at least one weighted limb sleeve
on a distal portion of a limb below a corresponding limb joint.
[0007] Yet another embodiment is a distal leg sleeve for use in
a weight loss program and adapted and sized to be comfortably worn
on a person's lower leg below the knee, the distal leg sleeve comprising
a predefined amount of exogenous weight arranged on the distal leg
sleeve to simulate the anatomical distribution of endogenous soft
tissue of the lower leg.
[0008] A further embodiment is a distal arm sleeve for use in a
weight loss program and adapted and sized to be comfortably worn
on a person's forearm between the elbow and the wrist, the distal
arm sleeve comprising a predefined amount of exogenous weight arranged
on the arm sleeve to simulate the anatomical distribution of endogenous
soft tissue of the forearm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the invention
will become more apparent from the following detailed description
of exemplary embodiments of the invention when considered in conjunction
with the following drawings.
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates one of a number of embodiments of a weight
loss system and method for promoting NEAT by wearing a pair of anatomically-weighted
arm sleeves and a pair of anatomically-weighted leg sleeves.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the anatomically-weighted
distal leg sleeve (right leg) of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is an in-use, front view of the anterior portion
of the anatomically-weighted distal leg sleeve of FIG. 2.
[0013] FIG. 4 is an in-use, back view of the posterior portion
of the anatomically-weighted distal leg sleeve of FIG. 2.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a simplified front view of the anatomically-weighted
distal leg sleeve of FIG. 2 relative to the muscular skeletal system
of the lower right leg.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a simplified back view of the anatomically-weighted
distal leg sleeve of FIG. 2 relative to the muscular skeletal system
of the lower right leg.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the anatomically-weighted
distal arm sleeve (right arm) of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 8 is an in-use view of the lateral portion of the anatomically-weighted
distal arm sleeve of FIG. 7.
[0018] FIG. 9 is an in-use view of the medial portion of the anatomically-weighted
distal arm sleeve of FIG. 7.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a simplified view of the lateral portion of the
anatomically-weighted distal arm sleeve of FIG. 7 relative to the
muscular skeletal system of the right forearm.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a simplified view of the medial portion of the
anatomically-weighted distal arm sleeve of FIG. 7 relative to the
muscular skeletal system of the right forearm.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] This disclosure describes various embodiments of weight
loss systems and methods and weighted distal limb sleeves, such
as an anatomically-weighted distal limb sleeve (AWDLS), for promoting
non-exercise activity thermogenesis NEAT. In general, NEAT refers
to caloric expenditure through daily activities or non-volitional
exercise, rather than volitional exercise. A more detailed description
of the science and theory behind weight loss management and the
underlying principles of NEAT is provided in the following references,
each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety:
(1) The Skinny Book: The 6-Step Methodology for Weight Management,
Verona Publishing, Inc., 2004 by co-inventor Dr. Ayaz Virli; and
(2) Virji, A., Philips, S.E., Activities of Daily Living Resistance
(ADLR) Study. NAASO Annual Scientific Assembly 2005; P-319.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a weight loss
system and method for promoting NEAT. As generally illustrated in
FIG. 1, the weight loss system and method employ one or more weighted
distal limb sleeves, such as, for example, an AWDLS. In the implementation
illustrated in FIG. 1, a weight loss patient 100 wears two pairs
of AWDLS. One pair of AWDLS is worn on the patient's arms (left-arm
AWDLS 102 and right-arm AWDLS 104), and a second pair of AWDLS is
worn on the patient's legs (left-leg AWDLS 106 and right-leg AWDLS
108). As described below in more detail, each AWDLS is adapted and
sized to be comfortably worn on the distal portion of the patient's
limb relative to the corresponding limb joint. To promote comfort
and thereby encourage extended wear during, among other things,
non-exercise activities, the AWDLS is only worn over the distal
portion of the limb and does not substantially cover the limb joint
or the proximal portion of the limb. For example, in an arm embodiment
(AWDLS 102 and 104), a distal arm sleeve is adapted and sized to
be comfortably worn over the forearm region of the arm, between
the elbow joint and the wrist. In use, the distal arm sleeve is
positioned just below the elbow joint and extends distally toward
the wrist. The distal arm sleeve does not substantially cover the
elbow joint and does not extend to the proximal portion of the arm.
In a leg embodiment (AWDLS 106 and 108), a distal leg sleeve is
adapted and sized to be comfortably worn over the lower leg, between
the knee joint and the ankle. In use, the distal leg sleeve is positioned
just below the knee joint (e.g., below the tibial tubercle) and
extends distally toward the ankle. The distal leg sleeve does not
substantially cover the knee joint and does not extend to the proximal
portion of the leg.
[0023] Again, to provide comfort and encourage extended wear, in
one embodiment, the AWDLS is made of a relatively thin, lightweight,
flexible, and breathable fabric. This type of fabric, and other
types of materials, and the configuration of the AWDLS may enable
the sleeve to be discreetly worn underneath existing clothing during
activities of daily living (see FIG. 1). One of ordinary skill in
the art will appreciate that the AWDLS may comprise any of the following,
or other, materials: neoprene, spandex fiber, polyester microfiber,
polyester/nylon blend, performance fabrics/blends, etc.
[0024] As the name suggests, the AWDSL is anatomically weighted
with a predefined amount of exogenous weight or simulated body weight.
The exogenous weight is arranged on the distal limb sleeve to simulate
the anatomical distribution of, for example, the endogenous soft
tissue or the major muscle groups of the distal portion of the limb
(or significant portions thereof). In other words, the exogenous
weight is distributed around the endogenous soft tissue or the major
muscle groups of the distal portion of the limb in a manner similar
to the way a person is used to feeling exogenous weight. For instance,
in a leg embodiment, the exogenous weight may be arranged on the
distal leg sleeve to cover major muscle groups or endogenous soft
tissue of the lower leg (e.g., the gastrocnemius muscle and/or the
soleus muscle), or significant portions thereof. In an arm embodiment,
the exogenous weight may be arranged on the distal arm sleeve to
cover major muscle groups or endogenous soft tissue of the forearm
region (e.g., the flexor and/or extensor muscles), or significant
portions thereof.
[0025] The exogenous weight may be omitted from portions of the
limb sleeve that do not cover major muscle groups or endogenous
soft tissue. For example, it may be advantageous to omit the exogenous
weight on portions of the distal limb sleeve which predominantly
cover skeletal structures. In the leg embodiment, it may be advantageous
to omit the exogenous weight from the anterior area of the distal
leg sleeve (or portions thereof) that covers the anterior tibial
line of the lower leg. In the arm embodiment, the exogenous weight
may be omitted from the area of the distal arm sleeve (or portions
thereof) that covers the radius. These and other types of arrangements
of the exogenous weight on the weighted limb sleeves may, among
other things, minimize uncomfortable pressure on certain skeletal
structures (e.g., the tibial tubercle), as well as more accurately
simulate endogenous weight distribution. Suitable padding may also
be provided to minimize pressure from the sleeve on these areas.
[0026] In certain embodiments, the arrangement of the exogenous
weight generally simulates the anatomical distribution of the endogenous
soft tissue or major muscle groups of the distal portion of the
limb (or significant portions thereof). The distribution of the
exogenous weight may be implemented in various ways, and need not
represent a precise anatomical distribution. For instance, for the
leg embodiment, the exogenous weight may generally wrap around the
posterior, medial, and/or lateral portions of the distal leg sleeve,
with an appropriate distal taper or funneling-down arrangement,
in a manner similar to the way calf muscles taper or funnel as you
go lower and closer to your ankle and to your lower leg.
[0027] The amount of the exogenous weight added to the AWDLS (and
the distribution of the weight around the AWDLS) may be clinically
defined to appropriately simulate normal body weight. One of ordinary
skill in the art will appreciate, with reference to this disclosure,
that the anatomical distribution of the exogenous weight on the
AWDLS more accurately represents additional body weight and more
accurately simulates an obese environment. The relatively thin and
lightweight distal limb sleeve and the more anatomically-correct
exogenous weight may improve comfort, which encourages extended
and/or more frequent use. Furthermore, it should be appreciated
that a systematic weight loss program based on the addition of exogenous
weight to the human body, in this manner, during activities of daily
living may promote enhanced caloric expenditure.
[0028] FIGS. 2-6 illustrate one of a number of possible embodiments
of a distal leg sleeve--with reference to a right-legged distal
leg sleeve (AWDLS 108). AWDLS 108 comprises a generally cylindrical
sleeve sized and configured to be comfortably worn on a person's
lower leg between the knee and the ankle. AWDLS 108 forms a relatively
flexible surface (FIG. 2) having opposing open ends--a proximal
end 110 and a distal end 112. The spatial terms proximal and distal
are made with reference to AWDLS 108, as it is properly worn on
the patient's right lower leg in an anatomically-correct position.
In use, distal end 112 is positioned more distant the torso than
proximal end 110. In other words, proximal end 110 is closer to
the torso than distal end 112.
[0029] Because AWDLS 108 defines a generally cylindrical surface,
when it is worn on the lower right leg, the surface of the sleeve
may generally be described as having certain portions or areas that
generally correspond to the area or portion of the leg which they
cover. It should be appreciated that these "areas" or
"portions" are not specific, discrete portions of the
sleeve, but rather refer to general areas of the surface of the
sleeve for purposes of general identification. This general reference
terminology provides a suitable point of reference for illustrating
the proper arrangement for wearing AWDLS 108 on the lower leg and
for illustrating the simulated anatomical arrangement of the exogenous
weight on the sleeve relative to the anatomy of the lower leg. In
this regard, AWDLS 108 is described as having a front or anterior
portion, a back or posterior portion, and two side portions (a lateral
portion and a medial portion). The lateral portion refers to the
side more distant the midline of the body (i.e., the outside of
the limb), and the medial portion refers to the side closer to the
midline of the body (i.e., the inside of the limb).
[0030] As mentioned above, AWDLS 108 is designed for comfort to
encourage frequent and/or extended wear during daily activities.
Thus, in some embodiments, AWDLS 108 is made of a relatively thin,
lightweight, flexible, and breathable fabric. This type of fabric,
and other types of materials, enable AWDLS to be discreetly worn
underneath existing clothing during activities of daily living (see
FIG. 1). AWDLS 108 may comprise any of the following, or other,
materials: neoprene, spandex fiber, polyester microfiber, polyester/nylon
blend, performance fabrics/blends, etc. AWDLS 108 may be integrally
formed or formed from two or more pieces of fabric, material, etc.
In one embodiment, AWDLS 108 is conveniently formed from pieces
of fabric that are stitched together with, for example, a thread
114, such as polyester thread or continuous filament-textured thread.
[0031] AWDLS 108 supports a predefined amount of simulated or exogenous
weight. The exogenous weight is arranged on AWDLS 108 to generally
simulate the anatomical distribution of, for example, the endogenous
soft tissue or the major muscle groups of the lower leg (or significant
portions thereof). The exogenous weight may be supported on AWDLS
108 in various ways. AWDLS 108 may be flexibly designed with removable
exogenous weight to allow the addition and removal of weight. In
some embodiments, the exogenous weight may provided in a matrix
of pockets. The pockets may be formed from stitched borders of thread
114. The pockets may be integrally formed in AWDLS 108,, attached
to the outer and/or inner surface of the sleeve, or otherwise supported
by the sleeve.
[0032] In one of a number of possible embodiments, the exogenous
weight is implemented with a plurality of weight members 116. Weight
members 116 may be supported on AWDLS 108 by stitching them between
two layers of fabric or other material. It should be appreciated,
however, that in other embodiments the exogenous weight may be implemented
with solid material, liquid or gel-filled capsules, solid granules,
etc. In one embodiment, weight member(s) 116 are designed with a
slim, cross-sectional profile and are supported close to the body
to minimize uncomfortable shifting as patient 100 moves.
[0033] Regardless the implementation, the exogenous weight may
be distributed on AWDLS 108 to generally simulate or mimic the relative
anatomical weight distribution of the lower leg. The exogenous weight
may be arranged to simulate the distribution of endogenous soft
tissue or the major muscle groups of the lower leg in a manner similar
to the way a person is used to feeling endogenous weight. For example,
in one embodiment, the exogenous weight may be arranged on the AWDLS
108 to cover major muscle groups or endogenous soft tissue of the
lower leg. As best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the exogenous weight
(represented by weight members 16, for purposes of illustration)
may be positioned on AWDLS 108 to overlay the gastrocnemius muscle
(generally represented by reference numeral 118, for purposes of
illustration) and/or the soleus muscle (generally represented by
reference numeral 120, for purposes of illustration) when properly
oriented on the lower leg.
[0034] To achieve a desirable level of anatomical correctness,
the exogenous weight may be omitted from portions of AWDLS 108 that
do not cover or overlay, for example, major muscle groups or endogenous
soft tissue. The exogenous weight (represented by weight members
116, for purposes of illustration) may be omitted from portions
of AWDSL 108 which cover certain skeletal structures. Referring
to FIG. 5, the exogenous weight may be omitted from the anterior
portion of AWDLS (or portions thereof) which cover the anterior
tibial line of the lower leg. To aid patient 100 in properly aligning
the exogenous weight distributed on the sleeve with the corresponding
endogenous weight on the lower leg, AWDLS 108 may comprise an alignment
aid (e.g., alignment indicia 122). For example, a pair of alignment
indicia 122 (e.g., a tag, product label, etc.) may be vertically
aligned on proximal end 110 and distal end 112 on the portions of
AWDSL 108 corresponding to the anterior tibial line. In this manner,
patient 100 merely needs to align indicia 122 with the anterior
tibial line on the lower leg to ensure that the exogenous weight
is in the proper anatomical arrangement.
[0035] As illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, the exogenous
weight (represented by weight members 116, for purposes of illustration)
may generally wrap around the posterior, medial, and lateral portions
of AWDSL 108. This general taper or funneling-down arrangement generally
simulates the way calf muscles taper or funnel as you go lower and
closer to your ankle and to your lower leg. One of ordinary skill
in the art will appreciate that the amount of the exogenous weight
may be predefined to accommodate various clinical situations, individuals,
etc.
[0036] AWDLS 108 may include various types of support mechanisms
to minimize movement of the sleeve relative to the patient's skin.
For example, proximal end 110 and/or distal end 112 may be reinforced
with elastic bands to provide additional support at the respective
sleeve ends. In some embodiments, AWDLS 108 may include releasable
support fasteners. Referring to FIG. 2, proximal end 110 and distal
end 112 may include a Velcro.RTM.-type strap having mating portions
124 and 126. Mating portion 124 may be positioned on an upper surface
of the strap, and mating portion 126 may be positioned on the undersurface
of the strap. For further support, AWDLS 108 may include a breakaway
fastener 128 located at, for example, distal end 112. Breakaway
fastener 128 comprises a generally vertical cut-away in AWDLS 108
at distal end 112, which extends proximally. Breakaway fastener
128 may employ Velcro.RTM.-type, or other mating, straps to enable
patient 100 to more easily remove and install AWDSL 108, while providing
further support for the exogenous weight.
[0037] FIGS. 7-11 illustrate one of a number of possible embodiments
of a distal arm sleeve--with reference to a right-armed distal arm
sleeve (AWDLS 104). AWDLS 104 comprises a generally cylindrical
sleeve sized and configured to be comfortably worn on a person's
forearm between the elbow and the wrist. As with AWDLS 108, the
arm embodiment of AWDLS 104 forms a relatively flexible surface
(FIG. 7) having opposing open ends--a proximal end 130 and a distal
end 132. Similar to AWDLS 108, the arm embodiment uses the same
general reference terminology to provide a suitable point of reference
for illustrating the proper arrangement for wearing AWDLS 104 and
for illustrating the simulated anatomical arrangement of the exogenous
weight on the sleeve relative to the anatomy of the forearm.
[0038] AWDLS 104 is configured in much the same manner as the leg
embodiment, with appropriate modifications to account for the anatomical
differences between the forearm and the lower leg. AWDLS 104 may
have more of a tapered, generally cylindrical shape (with proximal
end 130 having a larger diameter than distal end 132). AWDLS 104
may include appropriate support mechanisms as described above.
[0039] The exogenous weight on AWDLS 104 (represented by weight
members 116, for purposes of illustration) is arranged to generally
simulate the anatomical distribution of the major muscle groups
or endogenous soft tissue of the forearm region (e.g., the flexor
and/or extensor muscles), or significant portions thereof. The exogenous
weight may be omitted from portions of AWDLS 104 that do not cover
major muscle groups or endogenous soft tissue. As illustrated in
FIGS. 8 and 10, it may be advantageous to omit the exogenous weight
on portions of the sleeve (generally represented by reference numeral
134, for purposes of illustration) which cover skeletal structures,
such as radius 136 (FIG. 10). AWDLS 104 may also include appropriate
alignment indicia 122 to ensure the exogenous weight is in the proper
anatomical arrangement.
[0040] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that regular
use of the weighted distal limb sleeves (on one or more limbs) may
enhance caloric expenditure due to the additional simulated exogenous
body weight. It should be noted that, although exercise is an important
part of overall health, it accounts for a relatively small percentage
of daily caloric expenditure for most individuals. The amount of
time one can realistically dedicate to exercise is limited due to
health, family, career, lifestyle factors, etc. For instance, a
typical individual expends only approximately 20% of daily caloric
expenditure through exercise. The largest percentage of daily caloric
expenditure comes from the basal metabolic rate (BMR). The BMR (which
accounts for approximately 70% of daily caloric expenditure) is
the daily energy required by the body to exist and maintain minimal
function. This includes energy needed for breathing, blood circulation,
maintenance of core body temperature, etc.
[0041] In this regard, it should be appreciated, with reference
to this disclosure, that the various embodiments of weighted distal
limb sleeves (e.g., AWDLS) target BMR, rather than expenditure via
exercise (although they may also be used during exercise to further
enhance caloric expenditure and build muscle tone). Enhanced caloric
expenditure may be accomplished though a unique concept of Activities
of Daily Living Resistance (ADLR), which is one of the core principles
of the weight loss systems and methods and weighted distal limb
sleeves described above. As mentioned above, NEAT is the daily energy
expenditure accomplished through physical activity involving non-volitional
exercise, otherwise known as Activities of Daily Living (ADL). These
include activities such as opening a door, walking to the car, pacing
while on the phone, walking the dog, running errands, doing housework,
etc. NEAT has been validated as a potentially significant source
of Non-Resting Energy Expenditure (NREE) and resistance to weight
gain through studies done at the Mayo Clinic (Levin JA, et al.,
Am J Clin Nutr 2000, Dec;72(6):1451-4, Levine, JA, et al. Science
1999, Jan;283(5399):212-4), which is hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety. The weight loss systems and methods and weighted
distal limb sleeves described above are designed to significantly
enhance NEAT by adding ADLR to one's daily routine, thus significantly
increasing total daily energy expenditure in a virtually effortless
design. They are designed to be used during regular Activities of
Daily Living and/or exercise. They are designed slim and comfortable
enough to be worn under a variety of clothing types and to be worn
unnoticeably on a daily basis.
[0042] It should be appreciated that the various embodiments described
above may also work to fight obesity by simulating the obese environment.
Weight is distributed in an anatomical manner around major muscle
groups. As obese individuals lose weight they also lose lean muscle
mass because they are carrying around much less weight in their
day-to-day lives, thereby reducing their BMR. In addition, burning
calories becomes more difficult for the same reason. Therefore,
weight loss often comes to a halt, and may reverse. Loss of lean
muscle mass during dieting and weight loss results in reduced BMR,
essentially yielding a slower metabolism.
[0043] The weight loss systems and methods and weighted distal
limb sleeves described above use exogenous weight added to the body
in an anatomical way to model the bodies major muscle groups. This
systematic application of exogenous weight fuels the calorie burning
process by requiring many extra calories with any physical action
taken. In addition, it enhances the BMR by sustaining lean muscle
mass in the appendicular skeletal muscle of the extremities (which
houses the bodies greatest portion of lean muscle tissue) through
added resistance with virtually every consequential physical movement.
The weight loss systems and methods and weighted distal limb sleeves
may also promote the maintenance of the BMR during weight loss and
enhance NEAT through ADLR--thus promoting weight loss.
[0044] Although this disclosure describes the invention in terms
of exemplary embodiments, the invention is not limited to those
embodiments. Rather, a person skilled in the art will construe the
appended claims broadly, to include other variants and embodiments
of the invention, which those skilled in the art may make or use
without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the
invention.
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