Desktop wellness: using computer technology to evaluate body composition and nutrition

American Fitness, March-April, 1993 by Frank I. Katch, Victor L. Katch

Fitcomp, an acronym for fitness by computer, provides a rapid data analysis for body composition and nutrition. The essence of the Fitcomp approach is to combine body composition, nutrition and exercise into one computer program, so the individual receives a comprehensive plan to achieve an ideal body fat percentage and to improve aerobic fitness.

Nutrient intake is typically assessed from a daily recall of foods consumed for three to seven days in a foods diary. With today's technology, a computer is programmed to plan daily menus based on an individual's food preferences. Rather than selecting specific calorie menus from cookbooks, nutritionally balanced breakfast, lunch and dinner meals are developed from a basic list of foods selected by the individual. The food list to select from is essentially that devised by the American Dietetic Association and incorporates its food exchange plan. Preselection of foods is the major distinction between the Fitcomp meal plan and other nutrition programs.

Body Composition Computer Reports

There are several different versions available with varying levels of sophistication. In the simplest form, a desired weight loss is requested by an individual, and his or her output is adjusted so body weight can be reduced by 1.2 to 2.4 pounds per week, depending upon the selected exercise option. If the individual adheres to the dietary and exercise prescriptions, the theoretical "goal" weight can reasonably be reached during a given time period. A target date is assigned so individuals can work realistically toward their goals.

If fatfold or girth measurements are available, age, gender and fitness-specific body fat and optimal body composition. If body density data are available, the individual's current level of body fat is used to generate a weight loss curve. Because dietary plans are never generated without exercise regimens, weight loss by diet restriction alone is not allowed. In this way, initial weight loss chiefly by dehydration is avoided. Sparing of the lean mass is also a common occurrence when diet is accompanied by exercise, preferably large muscle exercise performed at an intensity that elevates pulse rate between 60 to 85% of maximum.

With the Fitcomp program, there are three basic exercise plans geared for the beginner, intermediate or advanced participant. The aerobic exercise programs are designed so individuals will eventually expend approximately 300 to 500 calories per exercise session. The main activities are walking, jogging or running, swimming and cycling. A person can also select other popular activities such as racquetball, circuit training, squash, badminton, basketball, skiing, tennis, golf and aerobic dancing. This approach provides freedom to exchange recreational activities for any given workout. It offers flexibility and variety so workouts can be planned to meet individual preferences. The major advantage, however, is maintenance of caloric equivalency between activities and dietary plans. For example, if inclement weather prohibit jogging or cycling, then swimming or racquetball can be substituted without altering the energy balance equation--required calorie output (activity) and required calorie input (food). The individual remains "programmed" along his or her tailormade weight loss curve. This exercise prescription is sensitivie to individual differences because it considers age, gender, current level of physical activity (relative fitness status), body size (height and weight) and body composition (percent fat and lean body weight).

Practicality of Computer Generated Reports

The advantage of computer-generated reports is workouts and menu plans based on individual preferences rather than adherence to standard workouts and set meal plans typically outlined in exercise or diet books. It is unnecessary to spend hours performing tedious calculations to individualize a particular exercise and nutrition plan. The computations can be done in fractions of a second, depending of course on the sophistication of the host computer.

Fitcomp utilizes a large main frame computer with a high-speed page printer.

A typical 16-page report is printed in less than 10 seconds. In the near future, the Fitcomp body composition and nutrition program will be compatible with the new generation of powerful but relatively inexpensive home computers. In the interim, individuals can send for their own nutrition report by completing the Fitcomp questionnaire. Once a questionnaire is received, it can be coded, processed and mailed within 24 hours.

Summary

Interactive, computer-based technology provides individualized reports based on body size, body composition, age, gender, current fitness status and preference for type of activity. Such reports enhance the overall quality of services provided by health care and fitness professionals. When individuals become involved in the decision making process regarding their body composition, nutrition and exercise, the success of their fitness program is greatly enhanced.