The cell phone diet

When you think of expanding waistlines, the first people you think about probably aren’t the Japanese (unless, of course, you’re picturing a sumo wrestler). Nevertheless, obesity is becoming a growing problem in a country known for a traditional low-fat diet of fish and rice. Last year, Japan’s Health Ministry estimated that more than half of men and about 20 percent of women between the ages of 40 and 70 are at risk of metabolic syndrome, a group of symptoms associated with obesity, high cholesterol, and risk of Type 2 diabetes. 

Now a group of public health insurance officials in Osaka are trying a new way of combat in the battle of the bulge. Dieters can use their cell phones to take photos of meals they’re about to eat, and then send the photos to a health expert who can then evaluate the meal for calorie count and nutrition. According to Yukata Kimura, a doctor who’s worked on a similar prgoram:

”Patients used to fill out meal logs, but people tend to forget things or underestimate their portions. Photographing meals and e-mailing them in is easier and gets more accurate results.”

The only drawback is that it can take three days for the results to get back. Still, better late than never.