October 27, 2008

• New EatRight metabolic program

• Device measures energy balance

• Individual strategy for weight loss

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - "I've got a slow metabolism, that's why I can't lose weight."  Ever say that? Some people do have a slow metabolism....and for others it's a convenient excuse.  But now UAB's (University of Alabama at Birmingham) EatRight Weight Management Program has a new weight loss weapon that can quickly and accurately determine how an individual's metabolism affects their ability to lose or gain weight...information that can be used to plan a successful weight loss strategy.

EatRight's new Metabolic Tracker program uses a device called SenseWear® that determines your energy balance, a major determining factor in weight change. A positive energy balance means weight gain, a negative energy balance leads to weight loss.

Developed using research with UAB collaboration, SenseWear® is an armband and wristwatch display that is worn 24 hours a day. Built-in software tracks caloric intake and how many calories the wearer burns minute by minute. It also tracks the number of steps a wearer takes, how long they sleep and the efficiency of that sleep.

SenseWear® graphically displays that information, allowing EatRight fitness specialists, dietitians and physicians to tailor a fitness, dietary and medical program for optimal weight control. Data from SenseWear® can be used to alter a fitness program to produce the most appropriate intensity level to burn maximum calories. Diet can be adjusted to achieve the proper balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat as well as calories. The Metabolic Tracker program may even provide the first real evidence that metabolism is being affected by problems that could be addressed medically.

"The Metabolic Tracker program can really help individuals understand what is happening in their bodies as they face weight loss hurdles," said Jamy Ard, M.D., assistant professor of nutrition sciences and director of EatRight. "The information it provides can explain why they've hit a plateau, for example. Most importantly, it helps us provide solutions that can really make a difference in the battle for weight loss."

EatRight participants who join the Metabolic Tracker program will pay $85/week for 2 weeks or $72.50/week for 4 weeks for the rental of the SenseWear® device, initial training and device setup, access to the website, individual consultation with a registered dietitian and/or fitness specialist, and a detailed weight loss plan. The program will cost non-EatRight participants $142.50/week for 2 weeks or $101.25/week for 4 weeks. SenseWear® may also be purchased to own at a cost of $550 for EatRight participants and $650 for non-EatRight participants.

Contact EatRight at 205-934-7053 for more information on joining the Metabolic Tracker program.